With just over ten minutes to play in the game, Kansas hit the century mark on a Kirk Hinrich jumper. On the following time out, with KU up by 55 points, Roy Williams pulled all five starters. KU’s bench and ESU played fairly evenly after that, but the Hornets outscored KU 19-13 after the Jayhawk starters left the game. All told, 11 different Kansas players scored.
Kirk Hinrich’s back is just fine. Shortly into the second half, and he had hit his fourth three-pointer of the game – and his fifth followed a few minutes later. Emporia State hit some shots early in the final period, but with Kansas controlling the backboard the game became little more than a practice session for the Jayhawks.
Eight different Jayhawks scored in the first half – four in double digits. Only one Hornet had more than one field goal. Emporia State whittled the lead down to 16 points with about seven minutes remaining in the first half, only to see Kansas go on a 26-2 run to end the half. ESU had a productive spurt that resulted in three three-pointers, but have since fallen cold.
As if the Jayhawks needed the help. Kansas started the game by hitting their first four shots, and did not let Emporia state make even one. A couple of early ESU turnovers and missed shots helped contribute to KU’s 9-0 start in the first two minutes. Just a few minutes later – by the 15:53 mark – and the lead was up to 16-4.
Total control. Those are the best words to describe the game so far. Nick Collison was in double-digits before five minutes had expired. Emporia State hit only one field goal in that same span. KU’s lead was up to 20 points before six minutes were gone. Since then the lead has not dipped below that number, and probably won’t for the rest of the night.
Kansas is coming off a tough road win at Tulsa, and has a home date with the UCLA Bruins next week, but tonight took somewhat of a breather against the Emporia State Hornets. These teams last met in 2000, when ESU was KU’s final exhibition opponent. The Jayhawks won in a 120-51 laugher.
The Jayhawks will be taking their Fall Semester final exams this week, and return to action next Saturday against UCLA. Tip off will be 4 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS.
First half numbers: Nick Collison led all scoring with a torrid 15 points, followed by Kirk Hinrich with 13. Keith Langford and Wayne Simien each had 11. Aaron Miles notched six points, and dished out a very generous eight assists. Michael Lee added four, with Bryant Nash and Jeff Graves each contributed a pair of points.
For ESU, Robbie Ballard and Ryan Lane each scored eight points. Only two other Hornets scored.
As a team, Kansas shot 69.4 percent from the floor in the first half, while holding ESU to a paltry 29.6 percent. KU took a 23-12 rebounding edge. KU also pegged all but one of their 10 free throws.
Final numbers: Kirk Hinrich had a great night with 23 points (including 5-of-8 from three-point range), seven rebounds, three assists and no turnovers.
Wayne Simien also put in 23 points and added nine rebounds. Keith Langford added 13 points. Aaron Miles scored eight points, but handed out 13 assists. Michael Lee added seven, Jeff Graves and Jeff Hawkins each had six, Bryant Nash and Moulaye Niang each scored three and Christian Moody contributed two points.
For Emporia State, Robbie Ballard scored 14 points, Thomas Vincent added 12 and Brady Webb had 10.
As a team, Kansas out rebounded ESU 46-28.
Catch a replay of tonight’s game at 10:30 p.m. on Sunflower Cablevision Channel 6. For full coverage, read tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World, and see KUSports.com.
