<\/p>\n
Much of the discussion coming into this game, in which No. 5 Kansas (17-4) defeated Texas A&M (13-8) by a final score of 79-68, was focused on the question of how KU would handle the big front line of Texas A&M, featuring two prominent 6-foot-10 players in Tyler Davis and Robert Williams.<\/p>\n
On offense, Kansas did what they have done all season long — shoot three-pointers. This strategy worked wonders in the 1st half, as Malik Newman and Svi Mykhailiuk both drained a pair of outside jumpers before the first media timeout.<\/p>\n
By the 9:58 mark in the 1st half, KU had a double digit lead, 30-18, after a Devonte’ Graham three-pointer. That would remain the case for the remainder of the game, as the Jayhawks never let up enough to allow the Aggies back into it.<\/p>\n
Mykahiliuk was ultra-aggressive and led the game in scoring with 24, connecting on 4-8 three pointers. His early scoring output was huge in getting KU out to an early lead, and essentially allowed them to coast for the rest of the game.<\/p>\n
Sophomore center Udoka Azubuike also played a huge role in the early advantage, his part being played on defense, finishing the first half with 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. For the game, Azubuike had 8 points and 6 rebounds.<\/p>\n
For the 4th straight game, Graham played all 40 minutes, and he once again struggled from the field, finishing 2-11 and 2-5 from distance. He also went just 2-4 from the free throw line and scored 8 points while adding 7 assists.<\/p>\n
For Texas A&M, Davis and Williams did combine for 29 points on the inside, but it wasn’t enough, as turnovers and poor outside defense spelled defeat for the Aggies in this Big 12\/SEC Challenge matchup.<\/p>\n
Next up for the Jayhawks is the 2nd installment of the Sunflower Showdown, as they’ll face off with Kansas State in Manhattan on Monday at 8 pm. A victory would maintain KU’s one game lead in the Big 12, but a loss would move them into a tie with the Wildcats atop the conference.<\/p>\n
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