BY TRISTAN SASSE
No. 11 Kansas vs. Texas
The No. 11 ranked Kansas Jayhawks began their trek for a 14th-straight regular-season conference title on Friday in Austin, Texas against the Texas Longhorns. Kansas was firing on all cylinders Friday night, making 17 three-pointers and coming away with a 92-86 victory over the Longhorns. The Jayhawks have now won an unprecedented 27 straight Big XII openers and eight straight against Texas.
In the first half, Kansas had trouble containing Mohamed Bamba. Bamba scored 11 of Texas’ first 13 points and ended the half with 16 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. The Jayhawks relied heavily on perimeter shots in the opening half and connected on six three-pointers. Kansas went into the locker room leading 37-34 in a highly contested half.
The Jayhawks jumped out to an early double-digit lead in the second half. Although the Longhorns cut the margin to as little as four, the Jayhawks would hold on for a 92-86 victory. 11 three-pointers in the second half helped pace Kansas to the conference opener victory.
On the night, the Jayhawks shot 44.9% and 17-of-35 from beyond the arc. Kansas also took care of the ball with 15 assists and only eight turnovers. Meanwhile, the Longhorns shot 43.1% and out-rebounded KU, 44-38.
Devonte’ Graham led the Jayhawks with 23 points and eight assists. Additionally, Lagerald Vick contributed with 21 points and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk added 20 points. Udoka Azubuike finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
For the Longhorns, Bamba was a force to be reckoned with, as he finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks. Matt Coleman and Dylan Osetkowski added 17 points each.
Up next, No. 11 Kansas (11-2) will host No. 22 Texas Tech (12-1) from Allen Fieldhouse on January 2.
Kansas State vs. Iowa State
Also on Friday, Kansas State started conference play at Iowa State. The Wildcats were looking to continue their early season success after a 10-2 record in non-conference play. KSU started Big XII play in style with a dominant 91-75 win over the Cyclones.
Points came at will on Friday. Neither team was able to maintain a sizeable lead and Kansas State went into halftime ahead 53-50. Iowa State shot 68% (17-of-25), but had eight first-half turnovers and allowed 27 points from beyond the arc in the opening half. Kamau Stokes finished the first half with 21 points, four assists, and three steals, while Dean Wade added 18 points to pace KSU.
The Wildcat defense buckled down in the second half and forced the Cyclones to shoot 6-for-26. Kansas State would also go on to make 13 three-pointers overall and finish 55.2% from the field. Good shot selection guided the Wildcats to come away with a 91-75 win. After strong shooting to start the game, Iowa State finished at 45.1% from the field.
For the Wildcats, Wade finished with 34 points and eight rebounds. Additionally, Stokes added 23 points and seven assists, while Barry Brown ended the night with 21 points.
Lindell Wigginton led the Cyclones with 23 points and four rebounds, while Solomon Young added 16 points.
Looking Ahead, the Wildcats (11-2) will return to Manhattan to host No. 7 West Virginia (12-1).