Kansas didn’t look much like Kansas for much of their game against Iowa State on Wednesday night, but once freshman Ben McLemore tossed in a three point basketball to tie the game and send the game into overtime – Kansas quickly turned up the intensity on both ends of the court to put the Cyclones away 97-89.
McLemore had one of the more impressive performances by a Kansas player in recent memory. McLemore scored 33 points on 10-12 (6-6 from 3) shooting. McLemore scored 20 of his 33 points in the 2nd half and overtime, including the three to time the game and a three to kick start KU’s 11-0 run to start overtime.
Center Jeff Withey had a tough match-up against the Cyclone big men throughout the game. Iowa State wanted to pull the shot blocking machine out from under the basket by hitting shots from the outside. However, Withey still caused problems for the Cyclones as he scored 15 points and snagged 12 rebounds to go along with his 3 blocked shots. 10 of Withey’s rebounds and all 3 of his blocks came in the 2nd half and overtime.
Elijah Johnson came up big down the stretch as he took a missed free throw by ISU’s Korie Lucious on the front end of a one and one and quickly hit a shot to pull KU within one. Johnson finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists.
Travis Releford ended the first half with 0 points and 2 rebounds. He finished the game with 12 points and 4 rebounds.
Kevin Young once again filled up his stat line as he finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Kansas shot 50% (31-62) from the field for the game and 42.1% (8-19) from three
Iowa State shot 41.1% (30-73) from the field for the game and 36.8% (14-38) from three
Kansas out-rebounded Iowa State 45-38
Kansas finished the game with 16 assists and 14 turnovers
Iowa State finished the game with 17 assists and 11 turnovers
Kansas outscored Iowa State 42-26 in the paint
Kansas outscored Iowa State 21-14 off turnovers
Iowa State outscored Kansas 16-12 in second chance points
Kansas outscored Iowa State 6-5 in fast break points
Both teams scored 15 bench points
