Dallas ? Darnell Jackson has added a nifty inside shot to his repertoire.
“A baby hook,” as he called it, is what the Kansas University sophomore power forward used in part to score to a career-high-tying 13 points – to go with 10 rebounds – in the Jayhawks’ 79-65 Big 12 Conference tournament semifinal victory over Nebraska on Saturday in American Airlines Center.
Jackson, who hit six of nine shots, had the first double-double of his career on the eve of today’s final against rough, tough Texas.
“I’ve been working with coach (Bill) Self and (Tim) Jankovich on that shot a lot,” Jackson said. “It’s something that can help me score.”
“I thought he played as well as he has since he’s been here,” Self said.
Jackson didn’t score and grabbed one rebound in the first meeting against Texas, an 80-55 loss Feb. 25. UT big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Brad Buckman combined for 30 points and 17 boards, while banger P.J. Tucker also had 19 points with eight boards.
“We were timid the last time we played them,” Jackson said. “I acted like I’d never played before. Now, I’ve got to play with confidence like I did today.”
He played 22 minutes against Nebraska, with C.J. Giles logging just two points and three boards in seven minutes. Giles played just one minute the second half after picking up an early ill-advised foul.
“I guess (Self) wanted me to watch awhile,” Giles said. “I didn’t play well today.”
Giles played well the first game against Texas, hitting for eight points and four boards.
“The first game we were too anxious,” Giles said. “I won’t say I was nervous, but we weren’t confident. This is a much more confident team. We’ve got to get on the glass against those guys.”
“Buckman and Aldridge are big guys,” Jackson said. “I have to go out and use my body to bang with Buckman and Aldridge.”
