Maybe Kansas State really is getting tired of this 22-game losing streak to in-state rival Kansas University.
Wildcat frustration was evident during the second half of the Jayhawks’ 94-63 victory in the second round of the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament on Friday at Kemper Arena.
About two minutes after halftime, Kenny Gregory went flying to the court on the right wing after contact with K-State’s Larry Reid player and said a few words to the ‘Cats while walking off the court.
“It was a dirty elbow by, I think it was Larry Reid,” Gregory said. “I think it was uncalled for. The refs didn’t see it, but it kind of knocked the wind out of me a little bit.
“It was just not necessary. The game was kind of out of hand and I know you’re frustrated, but you just can’t do things like that.”
KU coach Roy Williams wasn’t pleased with Gregory’s jawing with the Wildcats, but didn’t think the situation would reach fisticuffs.
“Kenny shouldn’t have said anything,” Williams said. “That’s basketball. It doesn’t take a tough guy to fight in basketball. It only lasts five seconds. I wouldn’t want to fight anybody in an alley though.”
Although no punches were thrown, the incident didn’t stop with Gregory’s trip to the bench.
Both teams were huddling together near the free-throw line when, according to KU center Eric Chenowith, Travis Reynolds started taunting and jawing with him.
“We were in the huddle talking,” Chenowith said, “(and) next thing I know this guy has his finger in my face saying he wants to fight me. Who’s going to get in a fight on TV in a game? If you could see me, I was laughing the whole time. I’m not going to get in any fight.”
The situation escalated into pushing and shoving between the teams, but the referees quickly stepped in and restored order.
Brett Ballard also felt the effects of K-State’s physical play, getting knocked to the court twice.
“I was trying to set a few screens and got knocked down a couple times,” Ballard said, “but that happens from time to time.”
Midway through the second half with K-State trailing by 27, Ivan Sulic committed the first hard foul on Ballard. Sulic, a 6-foot-10, 235 pound forward, sent the 6-0, 175-pound guard to the floor deep in the left corner after Ballard grabbed his own rebound.
Less than two minutes later, 6-8, 240-pound forward Matt Siebrandt was whistled for an intentional foul after elbowing Ballard in the lane.
Ballard said he was surprised by the Wildcats’ rough play.
“You don’t really consider K-State a real physical team,” Ballard said. “They’re talented, but I wouldn’t consider them physical. I think they came out trying to set a tone and they were struggling a little bit and we were doing some good things. I think that might have frustrated them a little bit.”
Ballard also said he had become accustomed to some rough play from opponents throughout the years.
“I’ve always been one of the smaller guys on the court,” he said, “so I don’t really take it personally. I just try to keep playing and not really worry about it.”
Three-point goals: 5-13 (Atchison 3-5, Reid 1-3, Terry 1-4, Buchanan 0-1). Assists: 7 (Terry 3, Ried 2, Buchanan, Reynolds). Turnovers: 20 (Buchanan 5, Howell 3, Reid 3, Siebrandt 3, Reynolds 2, Terry 2, Atchison 2). Blocked shots: 4 (Howell 2, Reynolds, Terry). Steals: 4 (Terry 2, Howell, Atchison). |
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Three-point goals: 7-13 (Boschee 5-6, Hinrich 1-1, Gregory 1-2, Nash 0-1, Ballard 0-3). Assists: 20 (Collison 6, Hinrich 6, Gregory 2, Carey 2, Gooden, Boschee, Nash, Chenowith). Turnovers: 12 (Gooden 4, Collison 2, Chenowith 2, Gregory, Ballard, Nash, Carey). Blocked shots: 8 (Collison 3, Godden 2, Gregory, Ballard, Chenowith). Steals: 11 (Collison 3, Hinrich 3, Carey 2, Gooden, Gregory, Ballard). |
| Kansas State | 21 | 42 | 63 |
| Kansas | 41 | 53 | 94 |
