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Kansas defeats Duke, 94-83
- 8:30 p.m., Nov. 12, 2013
- United Center, Chicago, IL
Final: Kansas defeats Duke, 94-83, in Chicago
By Matt Tait
<p>mtait@ljworld.com>It was billed as a battle of the super stars, and neither KU's Andrew Wiggins (22 points, 10 rebounds) nor Duke's Jabari Parker (27 points, 9 rebounds, 19 points in the first half) let us down.
But it was Perry Ellis, who poured in a career-high 24 points, who stole the show in leading fifth-ranked Kansas University to a 94-83 victory over No. 4 Duke at the United Center in Chicago.
Ellis was sensational in the first half to keep KU close and then flashed his entire repertoire in the second half, playing D, hitting free throws and even knocking down a three-pointer.
He finished 9-of-13 from the field, 5-of-6 from the free throw line and added seven rebounds, two assists and two steals to help KU improve to 2-0 on the season.
After a slow start in which he only played nine minutes in the first half, Wiggins finished with a bang, picking up a bunch of key buckets in the second half and, perhaps more importantly, finally flashing some of that swagger and excitement that people have come to expect.
Seasons are not made or broken in November, but there's no question that this was a huge victory for the young Jayhawks.
“We didn't guard the ball worth a flip, but we did compete and we made our free throws late,” Self told ESPN's Andy Katz after the win. “We've got a long ways to go, but it was nice to see Wayne (Selden) step up, Jo (Embiid) was great and I thought Frank (Mason) was terrific.”
All three, along with Wiggins are freshmen, as is Duke's Parker and Kentucky's Julius Randle, who looked great in the opening game won by Michigan State. Self, asked by Katz about this year's freshman class, simply smiled and said: “They're pretty good. I'm glad we got one of them.”
Here’s a quick look back at some of the action:
• The game turned when: Perry Ellis made a solid one-on-one move midway through the second half that cut Duke's lead to 56-53. Ellis' bucket was followed by Frank Mason steal and dunk from Ellis on a sweet dime from Wayne Selden. The mini-run pulled KU to within 56-55 and forced Duke into a timeout with 13 minutes left. Three trips and a couple minutes later, a breakaway dunk from Wiggins gave KU a 61-60 lead.
• Offensive highlight: How about the transition alley-oop early in the second half from Frank Mason to Andrew Wiggins, who flew through the air and hung long enough and high enough to catch the slightly underthrown lob and still flush it. There wasn't a ton of power behind it, but the whole play was a picture of grace and athleticism.
• Defensive highlight: Perry Ellis' steal and dish ahead with 1:17 to play gave KU an 87-81 lead and led to the moment of the night from Wiggins, who followed up a sweet step-back jumper with a high-flying finish and an explosion of emotion in front of the KU bench. The steal started it all, though. Just another way Ellis put his stamp all over this one.
• Key stat: Wayne Selden's entire line: 5-of-10 from the floor for 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Others had bigger numbers, but so many of Selden's stats came at critical times, either at key moments in the game or when the Jayhawks needed a calming force.
• Up next: The Jayhawks get a week off and will return to action next Tuesday for a home game against Iona at 7 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse.
Check back to KUSports.com later for much more about the Jayhawks' victory
Mommatocharlie
Two great aned exciting games tonight, and the best teams won. GO KU! Congratulations from Kentucky.
Duane Rice
Do any anouncers know that college players dont care about college basketball. They are all about the NBA.
Shawk13
I am very excited with maturity tonight. This definitely didn't seem like the second game of the season.
Bryce Landon in reply to Marshan3q
True, but the result does not reflect how close this game actually was most of the way. If I recall, it was tied at the final media timeout.
John Lee
Anyone else feel like there is less of a talent gap between our stars and bench players this year?
Duane Rice
this is a fun team to watch. Just think if we figure out how to play d with the foul calls.
John Lee
I think the average talent the players on this KU team is higher than most years. We are going to be really dangerous once Bill has his fun these next few months
Josh Helmer in reply to Crimsonphoenix
Not ready to say that after one night, but he is awesome, for sure. I'll say this. Take the best player, BUT, let's just have the best TEAM.
Benton Smith KUsports.com staff
Perry Ellis 9/13 FGs, 24 points. Andrew Wiggins 9/15, 22, 10 boards. Frank Mason 2/6 FGs, 11/12 FTs, 15. Wayne Selden 5/10, 4/4 15.
Josh Helmer
Hey, y'all...Self is now an even 1-1 versus Coach K and Duke. Meanwhile, we are NO LONGER winless in the Champions Classic!
Benton Smith KUsports.com staff
Jabari Parker put on a show, but Kansas pulls off the win. Young team shows it can win a difficult game. And hit free throws down the stretch to ice it.
Shawk13 in reply to Brian Powell
I was just thinking about the segment title "Parker vs Wiggins" that ESPN is going to run and how I felt about it, but Andrew just dropped a half worth of highlights in the last 2 minutes
Duane Rice
I thought Kentucky had the best fans. They are about the same distance from Chicago as lawrence. Many more KU fans there tonight.
Tim Orel
The announcers have been nice to KU for a couple of ways tonight - complementing the fan turnout and also saying big men go to KU - hope the recruits were watching.
Josh Helmer
We've owned UNC of late. Nice to see us get win No. 3 all-time versus the Pukies! Hope we see them again in the tourney and beat them again! BOOM!!!!
| Kansas | 92 |
|---|---|
| Duke | 83 |
Brian Powell
You gotta feel good for Wiggins now that he gets to end the night on a good note.... I felt bad for him getting those cheap fouls and sitting half the game.
| Kansas | 90 |
|---|---|
| Duke | 83 |
Eric TheCapn
Oddly, the last two minutes of a close game aren't going any slower than the rest of the game... -_-
Josh Helmer
I'm just fine w/ Wiggins playing fewer minutes, scoring less, but taking OVER down the stretch. YES SIR, BABY! Let's close this bad boy out!
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