Finally it happened. Something that has been typical of KU basketball teams just never really seemed to happen this season. An absolute beat down. You could tell they were very motivated to play this game; they wanted to beat down Howard. They needed to find their groove. They needed Howard more than Howard needed KU. For possibly the first time this year I could not complain about KU’s shot selection. KU drove to the hoop as much as they could. They fed the big guys and it showed up in the field goal percentage and on the scoreboard. When they shot three pointers they were smart, in the motion of the offense, and well, open. They did not look out of control. It should have made you feel good. Though some of these bright points were probably the product of playing an overmatched Howard team. Nevertheless KU needed a game like this. Whitey looked impressive today. He played like he is 7ft tall, which he doesn’t always do. He blocked shots, and changed other shots. Elijah did drive, though not as often as I would like him to but he did try to. Tyshawn played like a senior guard. Thomas Robinson dominated. Teahan drained three pointers. Travis played solid on offense and defense. KU had just the kind of game it needed and right they needed it the most. After two offensively tough games, after a brutal schedule, on top of finals, and Christmas, KU needed a game to unload on someone. This game was more a televised scrimmage than a game. But right now KU needed a scrimmage. Guys like Elijah, Travis, Whitey, Kevin Young, and Justin Wesley needed a game like this. Elijah hit a couple three pointers, had a couple dunks, and a dime here or there. Just what he needs to get ready for conference season. Whitey needed to block some shots, hit a hook shot, and get some boards. Travis continued to play great defense, he hit a couple threes, and he played his most complete game at this point in the season. Kevin Young might lead this team in floor burns by the end of the season, and tonight he had his fair share. Wesley played well, nothing special, but that’s just what Self needs. Whether it was Howard, Self’s meeting with the team, or the players only meeting, or a combination of all of them, there was something different about this team tonight. Finally KU had a game where they didn’t have a lot of pressure on them. More importantly they won, and they won big. Finally KU dominated, just like they should.

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by Blake McFarland