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KU vs. UMKC

Sherron Collins hit Kansas University's first three-pointer just 11 seconds into the game.

The next 39 minutes, 49 seconds, the Jayhawks survived against UMKC without hitting another shot from behind the arc.

"Let's just call it like it is: We can't go 1-for-13 very often and expect to win," KU coach Bill Self said after his team's 71-56 victory over UMKC on Sunday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

The cold streak from the outside was something unexpected, especially considering the way the Jayhawks had shot the ball in two exhibition games.

KU made seven of 15 three-pointers (47 percent) in its first preseason game against Washburn, then went 4-for-14 (29 percent) against Emporia State.

"Coach told us to keep shooting. We know we can make them," Collins said. "We just kept shooting them. Tonight, they just weren't falling. We'll get into the gym and get some more shots up."

The Jayhawks had the most struggles in the first half, as they made just one of their 11 three-point tries against a sagging UMKC defense.

KU went away from the outside shot in the second half, and the adjustment paid off. The Jayhawks outscored the Roos 39-24 in the second 20 minutes while hoisting just two three-pointers.

"We came out and just let the game come to us," KU guard Tyshawn Taylor said. "We got lots of easy buckets off turnovers and defense."

Overall, Tyrel Reed was 0-for-5 from deep and Collins was just 1-of-4.

Still, Self said he wasn't discouraged by the poor shooting.

"That happens. The key, I think, is guarding and rebounding and being sound and doing those things when shots aren't falling," Self said. "We did some good things in that regard."

KU's shooting slump came in its first regular-season game with an extended three-point line. The NCAA moved the arc back one foot - from 19 feet, 9 inches to 20 feet, 9 inches - at the beginning of this year.

"I don't think it really affected us," Collins said. "The game before, we shot 80 percent in the first half. We were hitting all the threes and everything.

"I just think we weren't making them. The three-point line really doesn't affect you too much."

KU still managed to shoot a good percentage from the field. The Jayhawks were 23-of-48 overall (48 percent) and made 22 of their 35 two-point attempts (63 percent).

"Things just didn't fall our way today (from the outside)," Collins said, "but I think that we did a good job grinding through and getting a win."