Kansas Jayhawks Open Big 12 With a 74-63 Win over Oklahoma State

The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off of a victory at home against George Mason, 76-67. This was a good tune-up game for KU as they would open Big 12 play in Stillwater, Oklahoma taking on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The crowd showed up in Gallagher-Iba Arena to see their Cowboys, dressed in their home whites, and No.6 Kansas sporting their away blues. The Jayhawks were originally scheduled to take on the TCU Horned Frogs at home in Allen Fieldhouse. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the game was canceled, making this the first official Big 12 game for Kansas.

Kansas would continue an incredible streak by defeating Oklahoma State 74-63, making this the 31st Big 12 opening win for the Jayhawks. This streak dates back to the 1991-92 season. The game was a hard-fought victory as anticipated. Games in Stillwater, Oklahoma, are always a challenge for the Jayhawks.

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The Kansas Jayhawks Struggled to Find Rhythm in the First Half

The first half was brutal, neither team could find a way to get the basketball in the hoop. Kansas would shoot an abysmal 11-out-of-41 (26.8%) and 3-out-of-14 (21.4%) from the 3-point line. KU would miss 20 consecutive shots heading into halftime, making the score 29-29. Kansas came to life in the second half as they would shoot an incredible 70.8% (17-out-of-24) and 66.7% (6-out-of-9) from the 3-point line. The Jayhawks would lead both teams with 16 turnovers but posted a season-high 50 rebounds.

David McCormack Played Very Well for the Kansas Jayhawks

Senior David McCormack would come off the bench and have one of the best games of his season. McCormack, who played approximately 23 minutes, scored a team-high 17 points and posted a career-high 15 rebounds. He recorded his second double-double of the season and his ninth in his career at Kansas. McCormack was replaced in the starting lineup by Mitch Lightfoot, but that did not seem to phase him as he would play an impressive game.

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Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun Came up Clutch for the Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks would rely on senior Ochai Agbaji and junior Christian Braun. Agbaji would score 16 points, and Braun scored 15 points. Both these players had incredible numbers in December. They continue to stand out as leaders on this team. Agbaji would play roughly 31 minutes, and Braun would play 35 minutes. They both would bang in consecutive 3-point shots sparking a 7-0 run for the Jayhawks. They would step up big and help secure a big win on the road making Kansas 1-0 in Big 12 play.

What Is Next for the Kansas Jayhawks?

Kansas will play another Big 12 opponent on Saturday, January 8th as they head down to Lubbock, Texas, to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 P.M. CT and will be aired on ESPN 2.