Lawson’s 30-point night tops ratings, can’t save Kansas

By Matt Tait     Dec 22, 2018

article image
Kansas guard Devon Dotson shoots over Arizona State forward Romello White (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

**1 – Dedric Lawson -** Easy call here. The KU junior was the best player on the floor for either team and it wasn’t particularly close. Monster first half of 18 points and 8 rebounds led to another double-double on a night when KU really needed it.

**2 – Lagerald Vick -** Came out firing and hit a handful of clutch buckets along the way. His veteran status and experience in games like these no doubt helped keep the Jayhawks calm throughout the night until the very end when it all fell apart.

**3 – Devon Dotson -** He wasn’t in the same category as Lawson, but close. Any time Dotson wasn’t on the floor, KU looked like a much different team and the KU freshman hit a few big time 3-pointers in this one, as well. Committed five turnovers and had the tough gaffe at the end that cost KU.

**4 – Quentin Grimes -** This was Grimes’ best game in a while. He still made a bunch of mistakes and misfired on plenty of shots, but he competed and played with the right mentality of attacking whenever possible. Still, KU needs to get more production from him. Simply playing hard or the right way can’t be enough.

**5 – Marcus Garrett -** Made a few mistakes and looked a little overwhelmed at times, but still made plenty of proper plays in key moments, be them attacking the basket, hitting free throws or hounding someone on the defensive end.

**6 – David McCormack -** Was still sped up at times, but not nearly as much — or as bad — as in his first seven or eight games of the season. Finished with 2 points and 4 rebounds in 11 minutes.

**7 – Charlie Moore -** Played some pretty big minutes with Dotson fighting foul trouble and ASU freshman Luguentz Dort hounding him. Chipped in 3 points and 2 steals but also turned it over twice in 12 minutes.

**8 – Mitch Lightfoot -** Brought energy and effort, but never found his flow or rhythm.

**9 – K.J. Lawson -** Air-mailed a couple of 3-point attempts and had a couple of out-of-position moments that led to fouls.

Season Standings:
———–

1 – Devon Dotson – 78

2 – Dedric Lawson – 78

3 – Lagerald Vick – 68

4 – Marcus Garrett – 51

5 – Quentin Grimes – 46

6 – Mitch Lightfoot – 42

7 – Charlie Moore – 41

8 – Udoka Azubuike – 34

9 – K.J. Lawson – 27

10 – David McCormack – 25

PREV POST

Les Miles: KU played 'catch-up' in recruiting once he took over

NEXT POST

52923Lawson’s 30-point night tops ratings, can’t save Kansas

Author Photo

Written By Matt Tait

A native of Colorado, Matt moved to Lawrence in 1988 and has been in town ever since. He graduated from Lawrence High in 1996 and the University of Kansas in 2000 with a degree in Journalism. After covering KU sports for the University Daily Kansan and Rivals.com, Matt joined the World Company (and later Ogden Publications) in 2001 and has held several positions with the paper and KUsports.com in the past 20+ years. He became the Journal-World Sports Editor in 2018. Throughout his career, Matt has won several local and national awards from both the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Kansas Press Association. In 2021, he was named the Kansas Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Matt lives in Lawrence with his wife, Allison, and two daughters, Kate and Molly. When he's not covering KU sports, he likes to spend his time playing basketball and golf, listening to and writing music and traveling the world with friends and family.