The Fort Hays State Tigers got off to a 6-2 lead. That’s right-the sacrificial scrimmage opponents tripled the Jayhawks’ score in the opening minutes. The Tigers would not score another point for nearly five minutes, and by that point KU was ahead for good.
Drew Gooden took the opening tip-off down the court and put it in for the game’s first points mere seconds into the game. Collison nabbed a quick steal moments later, and it looked like Kansas was fast off to an easy night. FHSU hit two quick three-pointers while blanking Kansas to take a four-point lead.
After that, however, it was all Crimson and Blue. The game was so one-sided that no fewer than four Jayhawks were in double digits by halftime: Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Jeff Boschee and Keith Langford.
With 90 seconds to go, the Rock Chalk chant echoed through Allen Fieldhouse-led by AD Al Bohl, who spent the game’s final minutes in the student seating section.
Last week Wayne Simien was the newcomer of note. Tonight, Langford filled that role, scoring 14 points.
Jeff Boschee led all scoring with 19 points. Nick Collison followed with 17 points and seven rebounds. Drew Gooden also hit 14 points, and Kirk Hinrich added 11. All told, five Jayhawks ended in double figures.
Kansas shot 62.7% on the night, and held FHSU to just 24.1%. On the bad side, the Tigers actually out-rebounded KU 37-34.
Next up for the Jayhawks is a trip to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. KU’s first game there is against Ball State, Monday, at 3:30 p.m. central time.
