Kansas Jayhawks squeak by the Kentucky Wildcats

The Kansas Jayhawks beat the Kentucky Wildcats 65-61 in a back and forth battle between two of college basketball’s juggernauts.

With only seven scholarship players available, the Kansas Jayhawks outscored the Kentucky Wildcats at the United Center in Chicago on Tuesday night. The nightcap of the Champions Classic did not disappoint, much like the game before them between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans.

Devonte’ Graham had a bad shooting night for the Jayhawks, going 3-14, including 1-6 from three. Graham did sink the two clutch free throws to put the game out of reach with eight seconds left. Graham also had five turnovers.

Malik Newman came up huge for the Jayhawks late, making a huge three-point jumper, two big defensive rebounds, and two clutch free throws in the final 2:12 of the game. Newman finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. The only Jayhawk with a good shooting night was Udeke Azubuike. He went 5-5 from the field. Svi Mykhailiuk led all scorers for the Jayhawks with 17 points.

The Kansas Jayhawks once again had to delay the introduction to highly anticipated Freshman Billy Preston. Preston was involved in a single car accident on campus, and Bill Self will continue to hold him out until the investigation is over. Apparently it was a sweet ride he couldn’t afford as the question of finances has been spread around.

Kevin Knox was the best player on the court this night for either team. He scored 20 points and was dominant at times for John Calipari. Hamidou Diallo electrified the crowd on multiple occasions for the Wildcats, he finished with 14 points.

Next: Where does coach Self rank at KU

The win ties Bill Self with Roy Williams for second place on the all-time wins list with 418. The great Phog Allen sits in first with 590 victories. The win against the Wildcats gives the Jayhawk faithful a dose of confidence going into the rest of the season. Big12 teams surely had an eye on this one.