Four days ago the Jayhawks played a bit of a lackluster style in an easy but somewhat sloppy win over Texas Arlington. Following the game Bill Self made the statement that practices were about to get interesting for the Jayhawks and he followed that up by stating he wouldn't know the starters for this one until gameday.
For coach Self basketball boils down to great effort and intensity on the defensive end. He's said it time and time again that offense takes a night off, but great defense does not. Sunday night Kansas finally seemed to get back on track and heed that message.
In a game that saw Marcus and Markieff Morris start the game on the bench, the Jayhawks set a tone early and often with defensive intensity. That effort and focus was rewarded on the offensive end with easy baskets in transition. At the same time the Jayhawks executed their half court offense as well as they have in recent weeks working the ball into the interior and running the offense through the bigs.
It's a game that shouldn't be overstated as Miami of Ohio is a team the Jayhawks should beat easily at home. Still things seemed to click and if the Jayhawks can carry some of the positives into the new year, it could signal a welcome turning point.
Kansas wins this one with relative ease by a final score of 83-56.
Winners for Kansas in this game; defensive effort, transition basketball, halfcourt offense and extra playing time for EJ, Withey and Releford. Also winners, but more from the "we expect it" side of things, it was an impressive performance by the Morri coming off the bench to contribute 38 points and 15 rebounds.
Also, Josh Selby continues to look more and more comfortable with his role adding 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists while connecting on 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc.
Losers; Well, Miami of Ohio. Coach Self wants the glass half full and looking for negatives in this one would only be nitpicking.
All in all it was a good day at Kansas. A nice win in impressive fashion by the basketball team and an Athletic Director that looks to be a solid hire for the Jayhawks being announced.