In the end, a huge win for Kansas. Turned the ball over way too much but with a big first half from the Morri and a huge second half from Thomas Robinson, the Jayhawks were able give the Tigers their only loss at Paige Mizzou Arena this season. Whether it was great defense or just abysmal offense for the Tigers probably depends on what side of the border you live, Missouri shot 29% on the game and was 3 for 23 on three point shots. For Kansas, Marcus Morris led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Thomas Robinson scored 15 and also grabbed 13 rebounds including 7 on the offensive end. Tyrel Reed was the only guard for Kansas that scored in double digits, ending with 11 points.
The first half featured alternating runs that would put the Jayhawks up followed by the Tigers going on a run to close the gap. Kansas started the game pounding the ball down low to Marcus and Markieff Morris and built up an early 11-4 lead. However, the defensive pressure got the Jayhawks which quickly led to the lead dwindling. Turnovers on five consecutive possessions allowed Missouri to get the lead briefly. After regrouping, Kansas scored when they did handle the ball well enough to get into the offense. There was no answer for stopping the Morri, as they scored 17 of the team's 32 points in the first half.
The second half wasn't a whole lot prettier in on-court play. The turnovers slowed a bit but fouls picked up and the Jayhawks were shooting free throws following the 12 minute TV timeout. Thanks to good free throw shooting and great rebounding by the Jayhawks, the lead slowly built to a comfortable margin for much of the second half. The Tigers closed it down late but due to some moron at CBS, I was unable to watch the last four minutes of the game. Instead, I was forced to watch two bad Big 10 teams. Thanks CBS.
My vote for player of the game goes to Marcus Morris. Without him, the first half would have left the Jayhawks in a deep hole to climb out of due to the multiple turnovers. Thomas Robinson gets a very close runner up for his play in the 2nd half. Huge question mark popping up from this game is the play of Josh Selby. He didn't get off the bench in the first 16 minutes of the second half and had as bad of a game as you can imagine in the first half. He was a clear liability with the ball in his hands, not really sure what to think or expect from him at this point in the season.