Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 30, 2022AP Photo/Michael Clubb
Kentucky upset Kansas 80-62 at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas.
This is the second victory over a Top 25 opponent for the 12th-ranked Cats as they improve to 17-4.
At the end of the first half, Kentucky was up 20 points, 51-31. Kansas had not allowed 50-plus first-half points in a home game since 2007.
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
This is the largest home halftime deficit for Kansas over the last 25 seasons.
The Jayhawks last trailed by such a margin to Florida in 2014 (15 points). Kansas came back to win that one, but it has never overcome a 20-point deficit at home to win. pic.twitter.com/7mPie4IHhD
They shot 50.8 percent as a team in the second half.
Notable performers.
Oscar Tshiebwe, F, Kentucky, had 17 points, 14 rebound, one assist, and four steals.
Keion Brooks Jr., F, Kentucky, had 27 points.
Christian Braun had 13 points, five rebound, three assists, and one steal.
Ochai Agbaji had 13 points, two rebound, three assists, and one steal.
Too much for the Jayhawks.
Kentucky had an offensive explosion.
The work on the glass was important in denying Kansas second-chance opportunities and getting the transition started. The junior has 15 double-doubles in 21 games.
Rob Dauster @RobDauster
I also don't think that enough is made of the fact that Oscar Tshiebwe does the job of two people on the glass. That's a big part of why Kentucky is so lethal in transition, and why it's so hard to run on them.
This is a fun, fun team, and I did not see this coming.
His stat line shows his impact. He scored 15 points in a row for Kentucky in the second half.
When Kansas began building a head of steam in the second half, it was because of his willingness to put the offense on his back. He was content to take what the Jayhawks were giving him.
Terrence Oglesby @CoachTO22
Keion Brooks is loving this triangle and 2 defense.
Kyle Tucker @KyleTucker_ATH
Did not expect Keion Brooks to turn into Dirk Nowitzki at Kansas and hit all of the midrange jumpers. But here we are.
This win should be viewed in a different light than Kentucky's loss to auburn. This outing reminded me of how dynamic the Cats can be, even after the big wins over North Carolina and Tennessee.
They have a good chance of making a Final Four run.
Kansas is done by slow start.
The Kansas offense has been very good this season. The Jayhawks entered Sunday with an average of 81.5 points and a field- goal percentage of 49.3.
The squad shot 13-of-33 overall and 4-of-9 from beyond the rim in the first half.
Kansas was being bullied inside. Kentucky had a big advantage in points in the paint and rebound.
Ari Temkin @arisports
Kansas Jayhawks getting exposed for their 51st ranked Ken Pom d and Oscar is also dominating for UK.
Harold R. Kuntz @HaroldRKuntz3
Last 3 games vs. KansasKentucky, 51 point 1st HalfTexas Tech, 45 point 2nd Half
K-State, 50 point 1st Half https://t.co/sqsug70Pqh
The home team might be able to chip away at the deficit after the Jayhawks switched to a defensive zone. Kentucky'sBrooks found a formula to work around the zone that nullified the gains Kansas had made.
The last three games were decided by nine points or more and the Jayhawks needed double overtime to beat Texas Tech. It would be better for Self to see what he needs to work on now that a result has been achieved.
What is next?
The Jayhawks face off with Iowa State on the road Tuesday. The SEC clash between Kentucky and Commodores is on Wednesday.
AP Photo/Michael Clubb
