Dec 6, 20233 min read

Kansas beats the Roos 88-69, but the game was closer than that

KU is getting a reputation as a team that plays down to their competition. Hoping they get it out of their system before it really costs them.
While the 88-69 score looked impressive, the game was a lot closer than the score. Not sure if they were looking past the Roos before playing the hated Mizzou Tigers on Saturday.

First-half thoughts: Solid Start

Dajuan Harris hits from three-point land early always a good sign. After this game, Harris is now 9-for-19 from the three-point line. This needs to continue. With teams doubling down on Dickinson, when Harris has open outside shots, he needs to take them.

Kevin McCullar puts together another great game.

McCullar is on fire out of the gates. He finishes the half with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 rebounds. McCullar’s line for the game is impressive again: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. He is averaging 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and hitting 54.4% from the field.
Parker Braun gives Kansas good minutes, scoring 5 points and 3 rebounds.

No question Dickinson is one of the best players in the nation, but he has got to keep his emotions in check.

Kansas City was being very physical with Hunter Dickinson down low. I definitely could see Dickinson getting frustrated. Teams are going to try and get under Dickinson’s skin like this during the season, especially in the NCAA Tournament. Hunter gets a flagrant 1. He needs to keep his emotions in check as this season continues.
Good half overall. Creating turnovers on defense, turning into easy transition points early. Seeing Jackson involved is great. Transfer Nickolas Timberlake a letdown so far in my opinion. I like Jackson, Furphy and Braun better.
My bet at half is not looking good: Dickinson 18.5 points - 8;

Too many KU guys are biting on Kansas City shot fakes. Stay on your feet guys.
Interesting lineup for Coach Self. No Dickinson or Braun. Harris, Adams, Furphy, Timberlake and McCullar. I don’t think the small lineup did what Self wanted. UMKC went on a little run to cut the lead to 55-45 with12 minutes left.
Dickinson back in the game. Difference between Dickinson and other big men, he makes a 15-footer look easy. Lead back to 62-47. Only knock on Dickinson’s game, he isn’t a very good rim protector.
Dumb foul by Dickinson, picking up his fourth foul with 7:20 left. Self stays in the game, I think Self wants him to learn how to play with fouls.
Timberlake missing too many open three-point looks. Finishing the game 1-for-5 from three-point land. For a guy thought to be money from downtown, he is not off to a good start. He is averaging 3.6 pts/game and is 27.3% from threes. That is not good enough.
Very careless second half for the Jayhawks. The spread on the game was 26.5 points. KU let the Roos hang around, they only had an 8-point lead with 3:45 left.
KJ Adams takes it to another level on both sides of the court. Johnny Furphy also stepped it up as well to help the Jayhawks pull away.

KU is not going to beat Missouri if they play the way they played tonight.
Kansas looks great against Kentucky and Connecticut, looked shaky versus Eastern Illinois and Kansas City. Wondering if Bill Self has a team that plays to their competition.