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Tech took an early 11-10 lead on the Jayhawks and fought tooth-and-nail the rest of the way. Kansas would lead the rest of the way through the first half, but Tech would close in to within two points on multiple occasions. The Jayhawks eventually took a hard-fought 29-27 lead into the half.
After the Jayhawks ran out to a 42-32 lead early in the second half, Tech came back again, tying the game up at 44 with 10:10 left in the game. Kansas responded with an 8-0, but Tech clawed back to within four points several more times. The Jayhawks were able able to hold off the Red Raiders, however, and escaped Lubbock with a big conference road win.
Final score - Kansas 69, Texas Tech 59.
Stats
Frank Mason led all scorers with 17 points.
Ellis was the only other Jayhawk scoring in double figures with 15 points.
Mason had 5 assists but gave away 2 turnovers.
Kansas outrebounded Tech 42-26. Ellis and Mason led the way with 10 each.
As a team, Kansas hit 9/22 (40.9%) from behind the arc. Mason led the way, going 3/6, while Svi and Greene each hit 2/3.
Tech was 4/16 (25.0%) from behind the arc.
Kansas went 14/16 (87.5%) from the free throw line.
Tech was 9/19 (47.4% from the line.
Takeaways
Good to see Svi and Greene back out there - at times they were on the floor at the same time, which I also like.
Was it good defense by both teams, bad offense, or some combination that kept the scoring down?
Is it just me or do we struggle defending ball screens?
Cue other team's guy making his first 3 of the year against KU (Matthew Temple).
15 turnovers seems like a lot - especially when you consider we were only credited with turning Tech over 9 times.
5 of Ellis' 10 rebounds were on the offensive end. Is he doing something different or will this game just be a statistical oddity?
The Jayhawks got a road win in the Big 12. It was ugly and sluggish at times, but the 'Hawks held off the Red Raiders and got it done. I liked the toughness. I like the grit. I liked the win.
Up Next
The Jayhawks will travel to Morgantown, WV to face the Mountaineers on Tuesday, January 12. The game is scheduled for a 6 PM tip (Jayhawk time) and will be televised on ESPN2.