KU-MU Game Thoughts/Stats

*KU 80 MU 77
*It wasn't a great win. It wasn't a pretty win. It wasn't the win that anyone expected. But it was a win. And it counts as a W. I am thrilled that the guys found a way to win another close game. But it didn't stop me from almost having a coronary.
*Sherron Collins was HUGE tonight. He picked the perfect time to have his coming out party and the Jayhawks needed every one of his 23 points. I am both ecstatic at the performance and concerned that it took that kind of game from a freshman to barely beat our unranked rival on our home court.
*"Coach Kurtis Townsend and I, that's the Sherron Collins we recruited," said Self. "It takes guys awhile to get comfortable. This was a big game for him going against Stefhon Hannah because they had a rivalry back in high school. As good as Hannah was, as good as Lawrence was and as good as Marshall Brown, I thought he was great, as good as those three were, Sherron was still the man tonight."
*I just watched two video clips from today's KC Star Sports page. Both Jason King (KU beat writer) and Mike DeArmond (MU beat writer) said that this game was going to be a blowout and wouldn't be worth watching. So much for that idea.
*It is becoming increasingly clear that we have no idea which KU team is going to show up on a given night. This team can beat anyone in the country and lose to anyone in the country. I've had visions of Bradley and Bucknell dancing through my head the last two games. The difference is that this team found a way to win the last two games. I can only hope and pray that the experience carries over into the rest of the conference season and postseason. But if any KU fan goes into any game thinking it's going to be a walk in the park, think again. This team can look amazing and they can look unbelievably mediocre.
*Even though these last two wins haven't been impressive, we can, at a minimum, take heart in the fact that Rush stepped up against ISU and Sherron stepped up tonight. As long as SOMEONE steps up each night when they play like this, we'll have a chance.
*I'm seriously questioning our #5 ranking.
*I'm shocked at the calls that MU got in Allen Fieldhouse. I don't expect the favor to be returned when we go to Columbia.
*MU outrebounded KU 43-42. This was the same MU team that got outrebounded something like 51-17 against K-State. I'm trying to do the math, but it doesn't add up even if I use a calculator.
*Brandon Rush, in the last two games, has been 9-of-30 from the field. If that keeps up, expect him back for his Junior year. In fact, unless something dramatic happens, we can expect pretty much the entire team back next year.
*KU had 17 turnovers tonight and 16 against Iowa State. (MU had 12, ISU had 10) That's one way to keep a less talented team in a game.
*MU had 16 more shot attempts than KU, 73-57, and nearly double the offensive rebounds (13-7).
*KU had 2 players (Rush, Collins) in double figures.
*KU sent a resounding message to the rest of the league when they destroyed Oklahoma State in Allen Fieldhouse. In the last two games, ISU and MU have sent a message to the rest of the league. They are better than people think they are and KU isn't as good as people think they are....yet.
*I've said it before and I'll say it again. Hands down, the biggest coaching challenge Bill Self has is to try and figure out how to get this team to take every opponent seriously. That is the only explanation I can think of for the repeated lack of focus and execution we've seen from the Jayhawks at times this season.
*It sure didn't "feel" like it as I watched the game, but MU hit only 23% from 3-pt range, 7 of 30. The saying goes "live by the three, die by the three". The scary thing is, even with that horrendous shooting from deep, they only lost by 3 and had a chance to send it to OT.
*MU starts Big 12 Conference play at 0-4 for the first time in their history. That's always a good thing.
*Even though we've seen the Jayhawks play some great defense this year, they also gave up a 15-2 run to MU, so there is plenty of work to do to become a truly dominant defensive team.
*It is clear that the Jayhawks have not yet learned how to CONSISTENTLY execute over a 40 minute game. I would say, on average, our proper execution is around 50-60% of the game. Good teams take advantage of those self-inflicted errors and that helps them keep the games closer than they realistically should be.
*Here's a link to some postgame quotes from coaches and players: http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/011607aaa.html
*Onward and upward. Let's hope the guys come out a little more focused and execute a lot better in Lubbock, TX on Saturday against the Red Raiders. It will be another rowdy road crowd and another ESPN game.

Keep Rockin' and Chalkin',

Mic