Leave it to a junior to take care of the seniors on Senior Night at Kansas University.
“It was an unbelievable exhibition,” KU coach Roy Williams said of Paul Pierce’s phenomenal 31-point scoring spree that lifted the Jayhawks to an 83-70 victory over Oklahoma on Monday night at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Pierce-led victory — he scored 15 straight points in the second half — capped the careers of Raef LaFrentz (15 points), Billy Thomas (17 points, three three-pointers) and C.B. McGrath (one point), who finished with a 58-0 homecourt record.
“I think Paul took it personally when I asked the underclassmen to take care of the seniors,” Williams said.
KU’s coach also credited Pierce’s mother, Lorraine Hosey, who watched Pierce erupt for 16 points in the second half of Saturday’s win over Iowa State — she missed the first half of that game — along with Monday’s 14-of-17 shooting outing.
“Paul’s mom said it’s amazing what a good night’s sleep and home-cooked meal can do,” Williams said. “She cooked him a good meal and made sure Paul got some rest. I sure wish she lived a lot closer (to Lawrence).”
Pierce said his effort had nothing to do with the possibility it might have been his last game in Allen Fieldhouse. He will decide either to stay at KU one more year or turn pro after this season is complete — after Williams calls NBA general managers to assess the player’s possible draft position.
“I never thought about that once tonight,” Pierce said.
“We took it upon ourselves to help send those seniors out with a victory,” Pierce said.
Pierce, who had 12 points but no boards and five rebounds the first half — “I told him at half he had to start playing,” Williams said — took command with 10:08 left, KU up, 55-48.
Pierce hit six straight shots as the Jayhawks went on a 15-7 run and led, 70-55. At one point, OU coach Kelvin Sampson called a time out and patted Pierce on the behind.
“I definitely sensed Paul had us on his mind tonight,” Thomas said of the seniors. “He wanted us to go out the right way and we’re appreciative of that. He played great. We know he’s capable of that at any time.”
Another key to beating the pesky Sooners (19-9, 10-5) was Ryan Robertson’s defensive work on Corey Brewer. Brewer, one of the top players in the Big 12, hit four of 13 shots and scored 15 points.
“I’m not saying Ryan completely shut him down, but it’s the first time we’ve put that kind of load on Ryan defensively and he responded,” Williams said.
It looked early on that it might be a runaway.
Kansas led by 19 points (36-17) with 5:29 left in the first half, but the Sooners put together a 14-1 to cut the gap to 37-31 at :37.
Thomas gave KU some needed breathing room by cashing a long two-pointer at :02.
In the second half, LaFrentz, who was slowed after suffering a jammed shoulder, scored four straight points to key a 9-0 run that gave KU a 48-33 lead at 16:26. However, OU sliced the gap to 50-45 at 12:56.
KU led 55-48 when Pierce went crazy.
It was an emotional Senior Night. C.B. McGrath broke down in tears during his postgame speech to the fans.
“Coach I just want to thank you for giving me a chance,” he said, starting to cry.
Thomas cited the senior’s mark at home. “Fifty eight and oh. There’s no place like home,” he said to great applause.
“Nothing in the world can match this tonight,” LaFrentz noted.
The Jayhawks will travel to Oklahoma State on Sunday for an 11:35 a.m. tipoff.
