On a night where the Kansas men’s basketball was celebrating 125 years of its historic success, the No. 2-ranked Jayhawks picked up an old-school victory over the Iowa State Cyclones, 62-60, on Saturday afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse.
OK, so maybe it wasn’t completely retro.
Freshman Gradey Dick brought a modern flavor to the matchup with his sharpshooting after all. Dick, who got as many open looks as he’s had in quite some time, finished 5-for-9 from long range and led the team with 21 points in the win.
Dick was able to get free early and often, converting a pair of 3-pointers within the first 11 minutes of the game. A majority of his triples came when the Jayhawks needed it the most, which typically occurred after the Cyclones claimed an advantage on the scoreboard.
anotha one for @gradey_dick ♨️ pic.twitter.com/VAcxjMfLow
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) January 14, 2023
Aside from Dick’s hot night from long range, this ISU-KU matchup was a classic rock fight between two teams who entered the weekend undefeated in conference play. Kansas (16-1, 5-0 Big 12) now stands alone atop the Big 12 standings through five league games. Iowa State (13-3, 4-1) falls into a tie with Kansas State for second place in the conference.
But let’s not pretend this win was easy. The Jayhawks, who were a 7.5-point favorite via the betting market, never led by more than seven and needed to make key plays down the stretch to prevail. If that all sounds familiar, it is because that’s what happened in three of KU’s previous four victories to start the Big 12 slate.
This game was tied at 57-57 with two minutes left before Jalen Wilson converted on the go-ahead basket with a shot-put floater from the baseline. KU’s extra effort on the offensive glass led to a freebie from K.J. Adams one possession later, giving the Jayhawks a 60-57 lead in the final minute.
After the Cyclones evened the score, Adams took his man off the dribble and delivered a tough basket with 11.6 seconds left in the game. It led to an emphatic fist pump from Adams, who once again finished in double figures with 15 points. Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cyclones launched a 3-pointer at the buzzer that ultimately had no shot to end the game.
Kansas will travel to Kansas State for the Sunflower Showdown on Tuesday.
