The start was not pretty. All-in-all the first half wasn't pretty. Oklahoma kept pace with what was at times and anemic Kansas offense. Thomas Robinson didn't find his full rhythm, but Tyshawn Taylor and Travis Releford picked up the slack and kept KU ahead of the sooners for the entire first half.
At the half, Kansas was only up by 3 points and the game was shaping up to be another tough grind similar to Texas, Texas A and M and Iowa State.
That was before another Kansas team showed up after half time and put the hammer down. The Jayhawks cruised to a double digit lead quickly into the second half and never looked back.
Robinson returned to form scoring 20 points while Taylor led the Hawks with 21 points. Jeff Withey cashed in at the free throw line and even Releford returned to scoring relevance with 12 points.
Two points stand out from this game.
- The Jayhawks tied Oklahoma with 31 rebounds. The Sooners are not known as a rebounding monster in the Big 12, and Kansas should have had a significant advantage grabbing boards. What's going to happen against stronger rebounding teams than the Sooners?
- The bench only contributed 9 points. With lack lackluster contributions from the bench, the road to a Big 12 title and perhaps a final four becomes a lot more difficult. If you cannot rest the big men or players get into foul trouble, there will be a huge drop-off.
Kansas cruised in the second half for a 20+ point win. Hopefully that gives them a little confidence going into a big game with Missouri for the last game in Columbia for the foreseeable future and the Big 12 lead.
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