KU Basketball: Downing the Red Raiders Crucial for Jayhawks

Where’s The D?

The defense has been lacking in the first two conference games. Kansas took step forward in the game against Texas Tech though, with the Jayhawks holding the Red Raiders to 40.7% shooting from the field. To compare, they allowed K-State to shoot 50.8% from the field on Tuesday.

The defense wasn’t great in the first part of the season, but it’s clear that the loss of freshman Udoka Azubuike has had an impact.

His presence in the middle and ability to swallow up players who would dare come in his paint is sorely missed. He was a defensive load in his short time and would have gotten even better during conference season.

Having a large defensive presence in the paint allows perimeter defenders to guard more aggressive. When you have a big time shot blocker perimeter defenders don’t have to worry as much if their man gets by them.

Tech was allowed to remain in this game, shooting 39.3% from three because perimeter defenders had to sag to the paint. Fortunately the Jayhawks were better from three, dropping in a scorching hot 50% on 9-18 from beyond the arc.

All stats on this page courtesy of ESPN