Braun the boss again for No. 8 Kansas in 95-75 win at St. John’s

By Matt Tait     Dec 3, 2021

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Kansas guard Christian Braun (2) brings the ball up during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against St. John's on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Elmont, N.Y. Kansas won 95-75. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

**1 – Christian Braun -** I’m not sure there are enough words to describe Braun’s career game. But let’s try a few. Tough, tenacious, physical, ferocious, efficient, effective, poised and powerful. In short, he was KU’s best player once again and he continues to show incredible production in every aspect of the game. The 31 points only told half of the story.

**2 – Ochai Agbaji -** It looked for a while like this was going to be Agbaji’s second starring act on a New York City stage this season. And he was great. Especially early. But on this night, his 23 points made him best supporting actor to Braun’s star.

**3 – David McCormack -** A double-double with a career-high-tying 13 boards. That’ll work. And the best part was he was pretty poised while doing it.

**4 – Remy Martin -** Martin looked great when he looked great. Five assists. A few big shots. And that signature energy he brings to the floor. If he could just cut down on the five turnovers that went along with all of that, he’d really have something.

**5 – Dajuan Harris Jr. -** Nothing special on the stat sheet but steady and solid enough to be out there for 20 minutes. That kind of role is starting to feel right for Harris.

**6 – Jalen Wilson -** Still looks a little loss and like he might be pressing. But he made up for his 2-of-8 shooting performance with 9 rebounds.

**7 – Joseph Yesufu -** Played just 9 minutes, but his three assists and zero turnovers made them effective minutes, even if rather quiet.

**8 – Mitch Lightfoot -** Wasn’t really his night. Fouled a few too many times and didn’t make a ton of plays that affected the game. As a result of both, he played just 6 minutes. His one block, though, did lead directly to four points — technical foul free throws by Braun.

**9 – KJ Adams -** Went to battle on the glass but didn’t have much to show for it. Still, he’s the type of guy from whom you know what you’ll get. You might not be able to predict the points and rebounds, but you know he’ll work.

**10 – Zach Clemence -** Four points in four minutes, but with two missed free throws and a little sporadic play. Got thrown out there at the 5 because of foul trouble to McCormack and Lightfoot. Did an admirable job.

**11 – Bobby Pettiford -** Still battling an injury, Pettiford played just 7 minutes and did not record a single stat.

**12 – Jalen Coleman-Lands -** Missed four of the five shots he took and he’s got to start knocking them down or he the misses could make him a rotation casualty. You saw the early stages of that on Friday, as he only played 6 minutes in the win.

Season standings
———–

1 – Ochai Agbaji, 78

2 – Christian Braun, 70

3 – Remy Martin, 58

4 – Dajuan Harris Jr., 56

5 – Mitch Lightfoot, 47

6 – David McCormack, 41

7 – Joseph Yesufu, 34

8 – Bobby Pettiford, 33

9 – Zach Clemence, 30

10 – Jalen Wilson, 28*

11 – Jalen Coleman-Lands, 18

12 – KJ Adams, 17

* Missed first 3 games to serve a suspension

Christian Braun’s career night helps No. 8 Kansas cruise past St. John’s, 95-75

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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.