In a matchup of two of college basketball’s top teams, Kansas University led through most of the first half and opened a double-digit lead over Michigan State early in the second half. The Spartans closed the gap late in the period, but it wasn’t enough, and the Jayhawks won, 81-74, Tuesday in Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawks didn’t trail after taking a 7-4 lead just under than four minutes into the game on Wayne Simien’s first career three-pointer. Simien finished with a career-high 28 points, along with eight rebounds and two blocks. Keith Langford played just three minutes in the first half after two early fouls.
Kansas (2-0) led by as many as nine points, 34-25, with about four minutes left in the half, before MSU (1-1) went on a 6-0 run. The Jayhawks scored the final two baskets of the half, though, and led by seven points, 38-31, at halftime. Simien had 18 points and six boards in the first half.
The Jayhawks opened the second half on a 10-4 run, including two three-pointers from Michael Leeand two layups by Aaron Miles. KU later extended its lead to 17 points numerous times, including a 63-46 lead with 11:39 left in the game.
Behind strong defense and transition play, the Spartans climbed back to within four points, including a 76-72 deficit with 2:32 remaining, but the Jayhawks held off the Spartans in the closing minutes.
Miles has 17 points, six assists and seven steals for KU, and Langford finished with 13 points, all in the second half.
Lee had eight points, four assists and four steals, and J.R. Giddens had eight points — all on dunks — and three rebounds. Jeff Graves had four points, David Padgett had two points, three rebounds and two blocks, and Bryant Nash hit a free throw.
Maurice Agar led MSU with 17 points, Alan Anderson had 16 points and seven assists, and Paul Davis added 12 points and seven rebounds. Chris Hill had nine points, and Shannon Brown scored seven points for MSU.
The Jayhawks were 27-of-58 shooting from the field, including 4-of-19 from three-point range. The Jayhawks were 23-of-28 shooting from the foul line.
The Spartans were 24-of-49 shooting from the field, 5-of-13 from long range, and 21-of-27 shooting from the free-throw line. MSU outrebounded KU, 31-30, but turned the ball over six more times, 24-18.
All stats are unofficial
Get the stats: KU-MSU box score
Hear Bill: KU-MSU postgame comments
See the photos: KU-MSU