Jayhawks Take Down BYU

There was some question early, but ultimately Kansas faced little challenge from BYU in the Maui Invitational semifinals, winning it going away 71-56.

Once again, Kansas started with two big men on the court (Azubuike and McCormack), and once again, they got off to a slow start against inferior competition. BYU was able to keep things close throughout the first half as both teams struggled to shoot, from both inside and outside.

Even after Bill Self moved away from the two-big look, KU didn't look comfortable in their half court offense. They slowly started to separate themselves, pulling out to a 27-21 lead with about 1:30 to go, but BYU quickly hit a couple of threes and KU closed the half with an unimpressive 29-27 lead. The Jayhawks were just 2-9 (22%) from three but had held the Cougars to just 38% overall. McCormack led KU with eight points while Devon Dotson had seven with four assists.

Kansas took over and controlled the game throughout the second half. BYU had no answer for the size and inside presence of McCormack and Azubuike, and efforts to slow them only opened things up for the Kansas guards. Dok ended up with 11 points and ten boards, while McCormack scored 16. Dotson and Agbaji combined for 27 points and 11 assists.

The Jayhawks now have a quick turnaround, as they have to play Dayton in the tournament championship game at 4pm Jayhawk Time on Wednesday. Dayton advanced by dismantling Virginia Teach, 89-62 in the other semifinal.