KU Survives Late Tennessee Surge, Prevails 82-67

The Jayhawks led throughout most of the game and generally controlled the pace of play despite a late Tennessee run in the second half.  However, Kansas held on and eventually ran away from the Volunteers, 82-67.

The Jayhawks led by 7 at the break, and stretched their lead to 13 in second half, but UT came back with a furious rally, tying the game at 62 apiece with less than 7 minutes to play.  At that point, Cliff Alexander's three-point play keyed a 7-0 Jayhawk run and the 'Hawks finished off the Vols.

For the third game in a row, Perry Ellis led the Jayhawks in scoring. This time he put up 24 points on 6/16 shooting (including 1/3 from 3-pt) and hit 11/12 at the stripe.  Cliff Alexander chipped in 16 points of his own on 5/6 shooting (6/9 FT).  Ellis was also the leading rebounder on the day, pulling down 13 boards.  Frank Mason led the team in assists with 7.  As a team, the Jayhawks outrebounded the Vols 44 to 22, a figure that includes 18 offensive rebounds for the Jayhawks.

Up next for KU is the championship game of the Orlando Classic currently scheduled for Sunday at noon Kansas time.  The Jayhawks will face the winner of Michigan State - Marquette.