The No.8 Jayhawks Get Hooked by the No. 20 Longhorns

Looking at this stretch of games on the schedule, the Jayhawks were in for a tough road. Kansas is coming off of a huge win against the No. 10 Baylor Bears, 83-59. The next game on the schedule was the Texas Longhorns as KU would enter the Frank Erwin Center, located in Austin, Texas. Not only was it at full capacity taking on the Kansas Jayhawks but the fans were turning up the decibels for their Texas Longhorns.

This game was very physical, and both teams battled until the very end as Texas would defeat Kansas, 79-76. KU is now 19-4 and 8-2 in the Big 12. They remain atop the Big 12, but the other teams inched closer. Texas improves to 18-6 on the season and 7-4 in the Big 12. This was an important game for both teams as the Longhorns would prevail.

The Kansas Jayhawks Could Not Outlast the Texas Longhorns

Kansas shot 58.3% (28-48) from the floor and only 38.5% from the 3-point line (5-13). This was a hard-fought game from the tip-off to the final whistle. KU would turn the basketball over 15 times, resulting in 24 points for the Longhorns. The Jayhawks were also outrebounded 33 to 31, and Texas scored an astounding 32 points off the bench. Kansas only managed ten points from their bench.

The most important stat was free throws. Texas shot 87% (20-23) from the stripe and the Jayhawks 65.2% (15-23). The important free throws needed to seal the game were missed by Kansas, allowing the Longhorns to stay in the game and go on a 7-0 run, ideally securing the victory.

Key Contributors for the Kansas Jayhawks

Four players finished in double digits, but redshirt-sophomore Jalen Wilson was the highlight of the night. Wilson finished with a team-high 18 points, securing a team-high 11 rebounds, and provided two blocks. His stat line is strong, but his drive and want can not be recorded as a stat.

Senior David McCormack also played hard, and visually he was exhausted at the end of the game. McCormack added 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. His jersey was dripping sweat, and the away blue jersey was a darker blue due to his effort on the court.

With super-senior Remy Martin dealing with an injury, sophomore Joesph Yesufu logged 15 quality minutes adding eight points, one assist, and one steal. The steal would lead to a breakaway dunk that fired up the KU bench. If he continues to log quality minutes, he could have a role come post-season time.

What Is Next for the Kansas Jayhawks?

Kansas returns home to Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 12th to take on the Oklahoma Sooners. Tip-off is at noon CST and will be aired on CBS.