“I think the worst part is behind me,” Axtell, Kansas’ 6-foot-10 senior swingman, said after scoring two points while playing nine minutes in Kansas’ 78-74 victory over Nebraska on Sunday at Devaney Center.

“It is improving. It’s not good, but with all the physical therapy it’s getting to where I can practice and play in games. I’m not cured. I’m improving.”

Axtell, who had missed KU’s last two games because of the bulging disk in his back, missed two threes before hitting his sole hoop. His 15-footer with 6:31 left gave the Jayhawks a 65-57 lead.

KU coach Roy Williams removed Axtell shortly after that hoop, noticing the player was laboring up and down the court and also grimacing in pain.

Earl Richardson/Journal-World Photo

“Dealing with pain is one thing. I can do that. But when the back locks up, I can’t move and there’s nothing I can do about that,” Axtell said.

Axtell said it’s possible back surgery could be in his future.

“It’s something they’ll look at after the season,” he said. “Right now I just want to contribute something. It felt good to contribute today.”

Gooden may be cleared today

Sophomore forward Drew Gooden, who has missed the last five games because of a wrist injury, will be re-evaluated today. It’s possible he’ll be cleared to practice and possibly play Wednesday night at Kansas State.

“I can’t wait to get him back. We miss Drew’s enthusiasm, his versatility, his 16 points a game,” senior Kenny Gregory said.

Carey contributes

Junior forward Jeff Carey scored seven points with five rebounds in 18 minutes. He entered early with 18:17 left in the first half after Eric Chenowith picked up his second foul. Both big men were in foul trouble all afternoon.

“Their big guys are extremely hard to guard,” Carey said of NU’s Kimani Ffriend and Steffon Bradford, who combined for 23 points and 20 boards. “You try to wrestle with them so they cannot get the ball or you let ’em get it and guard them.

“I was a little wary, but even if all our guys foul out we have guys on the bench who can come in and play.”

Carey fouled out with 5:40 remaining. Nick Collison and Eric Chenowith both finished with four fouls.

NU was 12-of-27 from the free-throw line.

Hot shooting

Kansas hit 57.7 percent of its shots to NU’s 40.3 percent. The Jayhawks made 16 of 23 shots for 69.6 percent the second half.

“We hit 70 percent. That’s good, especially on the road,” Carey said after KU snapped a three-game road losing streak.

Carey starts second half

Carey, not Chenowith, started the second half despite the fact both had three fouls. The reason, Williams said, was that he believes games sometimes are called tighter early in the second half and he didn’t want Chenowith to pick up his fourth foul.

Stats, facts

Jeff Boschee, who was 1-of-5 for threes and finished with five points, has hit at least one three in 15 straight games. He’s made seven of his last 33 threes over five games. Kirk Hinrich’s nine first-half assists tied for the most assists in a half by a player in the Roy Williams era and were the most since Ryan Robertson had nine in the second half against Oklahoma on Feb. 23, 1998. Collison scored his 700th career point. Hinrich dished his 300th assist. Gregory has scored in double figures in all 23 games he’s played. Hinrich had the third double-double of his career, scoring 20 points with 11 assists and seven rebounds. Cookie Belcher’s 29 points were the most by an opposing player against KU this year. KU has won five straight over NU. KU’s Chris Zerbe and Todd Kappelmann each played for the first time in eight games.