The Texas Tech Red Raiders looked hoped that the scrappy play that had them within two points of the Kansas Jayhawks at halftime would continue in the second half. That wasn’t something that Kansas was willing to let happen as they put away the Red Raiders 60-46, destroying the hopes and dreams of dozens Saturday afternoon inside the United Spirit Arena.
Kansas looked like they wanted to be anywhere but in Lubbock, Texas throughout the first half. Turnovers, lazy rebounding and bad shots all led to the Jayhawks only being up by two points at halftime. The Jayhawks finished the half with only five made field goals, but still ended the half up 27-25. KU did manage to get some points by getting to the free throw line and hitting 16 of 18 attempts.
Kansas went 14-23 from the field in the second half as they left the Red Raiders behind and cruised to their 14th win of the season.
Forward Kevin Young scored the first two buckets of each half for the Jayhawks on his way to his team leading 14 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. The first bucket of the game for Jayhawks were the only two points Young scored in the half, but much like his team, Young saved his best for the final 20 minutes of action. Center Jeff Withey added 12 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block. Travis Releford once again put together a great game going as he too went for 12 points (4-5), 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Freshman Ben McLemore had a tough day shooting, but still managed to score in double digits for the ninth time this season with 10 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Kansas outscored Texas Tech 28-18 in points in the paint
Kansas outscored Tech 17-9 off turnovers
Kansas outscored Tech 12-10 in second chance points
Kansas outscored Tech 12-4 off fast break points
Tech outscored Kansas 9-7 in bench points
Kansas shot 46.3% (19-41
) from the field and 30% (3-10) from three
Tech shot 35.4% (17-48) from the field and 36.4% (4-11) from three
Tech outrebounded Kansas 28-26 for the game
Kansas went without a rebound for the first nine minutes of the game
Kansas finished with 8 assists and 9 turnovers
Tech finished with 11 assists and 16 turnovers
Big Monday is up next as the Baylor Bears come to play. Tip is at 8 p.m. ish
