Kansas Jayhawks blow out Texas Tech, 86-54

It felt like Kansas was due for a dominant performance, and they finally turned one in Saturday afternoon, demolishing the struggling Texas Tech Red Raiders, 86-54. This one was never in doubt, with Kansas jumping out to an 11-2 lead while Tech simply couldn't find the bottom of the basket. The Jayhawks employed a high-pressure defensive look that featured full court pressure and even some trapping, and Tech simply didn't have the talent to make them pay. The backcourt, particularly Kelly Oubre, was able to live in the passing lanes and generate 12 steals, while still limiting Tech's good looks at the basket and holding them to just 18-55 shooting (33%).

Oubre was able to keep his run of good offensive form going as well, scoring 14 off of 5-7 shooting.  After a terrible first half, Perry Ellis hit all three of his 3 point attempts in the second, and finished with 15. Cliff Alexander played just 15 minutes, likely due to some back issues that threatened to keep him out of the game, but managed to show off some offensive skill and some monstrous dunks. He finished with 12 points, 5 boards and 2 blocks. Frank Mason got some well-deserved rest, playing only 24 minutes with the return of Graham (6 rebounds and 6 assists of his own), but still managed 10 points and 5 assists with just one TO.

Considering the opponent, it would be dangerous to read much into this outcome, but it was nice to see the team execute offensively for a full game. A blowout win was just what they needed as a tough stretch of schedule looms on the horizon.