With KU coach Roy Williams’ post-Wake Forest derogatory remarks still ringing in their ears, the Jayhawks’ big men propelled No. 10 Kansas to a 75-69, come-from-behind victory over DePaul on Tuesday night at the United Center.

“We didn’t compete at Wake Forest,” KU forward Drew Gooden said. “We didn’t come to play. We played like a bunch of pansies, like coach said, and we got manhandled. But nobody took it as a negative remark. We took it as a challenge.”

Williams questioned the Jayhawks’ toughness after their 31-point loss last Thursday at Wake Forest. Most of his vitriol was directed at his front-liners in general, and Eric Chenowith in particular.

Chenowith responded with 13 points and seven rebounds against the Blue Demons (4-4).

Earl Richardson/Journal-World Photo

“It was a challenge for us,” said Chenowith, who fouled out with 2:13 left. “We hadn’t stepped up to a challenge yet. We wanted to step up to a challenge and finally get a win in this dang building.”

Kansas’ big men played a key role in helping the Jayhawks snap a three-game losing streak in the home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.

In addition to Chenowith, Nick Collison had a career-high 23 points and Gooden added 15. Thus, KU’s starting front line was responsible for 51 points, 21 rebounds, seven assists, six turnovers, five blocks and five steals.

“At Wake Forest, coach said get the ball inside, and we didn’t,” Chenowith said. “Today we did. It’s amazing what happens when you listen to coach. It definitely helps our confidence.”

The Jayhawks (8-1) also benefited from a minor personnel change. Gooden, normally a power forward, slid over to the small forward spot, creating a mismatch on the wing, especially with DePaul’s Bobby Simmons all but a nonfactor in seven second-half minutes.

“It just gives us more rebounds down there,” said Gooden, who finished with a team-high eight boards. “It just creates a mismatch with me at the 3.”

In the first half, Simmons had 14 points and four assists in playing all 20 minutes. He played just seven minutes in the second half and fouled out with 9:19 left.

“I saw a couple of heads drop,” Chenowith said. “That was our chance to put the hammer down, use the killer instinct, and that’s something we haven’t done much.”

They also hadn’t been hitting their free throws especially well, but on Tuesday they drained 24 of 29.

Gooden, who hit just seven of 14 against Wake Forest, hit 11 of 12.

“Coach said we had to step up,” Gooden said. “I knew I was a way better shooter than 50 percent. I changed my routine a little and found a nice rhythm. Basically I’m just taking my time and not rushing my shot.”

The Jayhawks will play host to Tulsa on Saturday.