Kansas Defeats Northern Colorado 109-72

The Jayhawks sank 15 three-pointers and shot an overall 56% from the floor as five Jayhawks scored in double figures, enabling KU to put away Northern Colorado 109-72.

Stats

Brannen Greene came off the bench to lead the Jayhawks with 18 points while shooting a perfect 5/5 from behind the arc.  Ellis (16), Selden (15), Graham (13), and Mason (11) were the other 'Hawks in double figures.  Perry Ellis didn't score until 4:30 left before halftime.  He finished with 16 points and 2 rebounds.

Mason added 9 assists, while Graham had 8.

Jamari Traylor and Hunter Mickelson led the way with 7 rebounds each.

As a team, Kansas drained 15/26 (57.7%) from behind the arc.

Three Bears fouled out of the game as 35 fouls were called on the visitors, allowing the Jayhawks to shoot 26/34 (76.5%) from the stripe.  Conversely, the 'Hawks were only whistled for 24 fouls.

Kansas outrebounded Northern Colorado 38-30.

Takeaways

I noticed Graham took a few 17-footers.  Wonder who he learned that from... Sigh.

At least we made a solid percentage of free throws tonight.  Ellis, Traylor, and Mason were all perfect from the line.

Hunter Mickelson looks like he could be the rim protector this year.  He came away with 3 blocks.

Greene looks healthy and appeared to be moving well.  Hopefully the hip will not be an issue going forward, as the Jayhawks will need him to help spread the floor.

Lots of fouls were called tonight, especially on the Bears.  (Which makes sense, given they're the "less talented" team and would conceivably need to foul to stop Kansas.)  It will be interesting to see if the officials continue to call games the way they're "supposed" to.  It will also be interesting to see how this affects teams like Michigan State, who are known for a physical style of play.

Up Next

KU takes on Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Tuesday, November 17, at 9 PM Jayhawk time in Chicago.  MSU knocked off Florida Atlantic tonight 82-55.