Kansas Knocks off Rider 87-60

The Kansas Jayhawks used a big first half and bounced back in a big way against the fighting Broncs from Rider University Monday night.

Behind Cliff Alexander's and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk's 10 points each in the first half, the Jayhawks built a 51-22 halftime lead and cruised through the second half.  Alexander didn't enter the game until midway through the first half, but when he did his effect on the game was immediate.  In a span of approximately 2 1/2 minutes, Alexander put up nine points, and grabbed three boards as Kansas extended a 15-8 lead to 24-8.

The Jayhawks led wire to wire and were quick and efficient in overpowering the outmanned Rider squad.  Perry Ellis and Brannen Green led the way with 17 points each.  At least five Jayhawks posted two or more assists, led by Wayne Selden, Jr. with 9.  Kansas barely outrebounded Rider 33-31, mostly due to Rider collecting 15 offensive rebounds compared to KU's 9.

Up next for Kansas is the Orlando Classic in, surprisingly enough, Orlando, FL.  KU will play three games in four days, the first against Rhode Island on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at 1:30 PM Kansas time.

Stay tuned to RCT for more analysis of the game against Rider and join our open threads over the holiday weekend as our Jayhawks compete in Florida.