Oklahoma City ? Darnell Jackson figured D.J. Augustin might drive to the hole.
With Kansas up three and less than 20 seconds to go, Augustin went to the lane to try to cut into the deficit. But Jackson instead blocked the shot, grabbed the loose ball and was fouled. With emotion built up, Jackson let it out when the whistle blew. He stopped in his tracks and let out a giant scream.
It was a huge play in a game full of them, and Kansas eventually prevailed, 88-84, to win the Big 12 tournament Sunday at the Ford Center.
“I just told myself to make sure I help if Augustin drives,” Jackson said. “I just went over there and put my arms straight up and jumped, came down with the ball and got fouled.”
Jackson swished the two free throws to put Kansas up 86-81 with 13.2 seconds left in overtime. That proved equally significant – Texas’ A.J. Abrams hit a three on the ensuing possession, but the Longhorns never got closer in what turned out to be another classic episode in the Kansas-Texas series.
The Jayhawks have had trouble with late free throws this season, but Jackson didn’t Sunday. Neither did Russell Robinson, who hit both of his to put Kansas up four in the closing seconds.
“Brandon (Rush) told me to make those free throws, so I made them,” Jackson said. “They really helped us out.”
Jackson’s stat line wasn’t phenomenal – he had no field goals and seven rebounds to go with four fouls in 26 minutes. But he hit all six of his free throws, had a steal and swatted two shots.
Of course, the last one mattered most. Kansas had four players combine to block eight shots Sunday, including three in the opening minute and two late (Rush blocked an Augustin three-pointer in overtime).
“Our confidence level is pretty high right now,” Rush said. “Just making big plays at the right time. That’s all I can say.”
Jackson’s swat qualifies. And it helped put Kansas at 30-4 overall, with an 11-game winning streak heading into the NCAA Tournament.
“It was a big block,” Jackson said. “I came down with it, and I got a chance to make two free throws to help the team get a good lead. I feel good about the block.”