Quick grades for five aspects of KU’s ridiculous, 84-80, overtime victory over No. 9 West Virginia at Allen Fieldhouse.
Offense: B-
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Grading all things on a relative scale, the Jayhawks’ offense got a D for their stat-sheet performance and an A+ for their heart. Down but not out, Kansas found its shooting touch just in time and finished the game on fire, shooting 50 percent from the floor in OT and 67 percent from 3-point range in that same span.
Defense: A-
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KU’s defense was poor early, as the Mountaineers pushed Kansas around and got just about anything they wanted. But that stretch was short-lived, as the Jayhawks started guarding midway through the first half to keep WVU close and then finished with some of their best defense of the season, forcing turnovers and tough shots over the game’s final 7 or 8 minutes.
Frontcourt: B-
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Landen Lucas’ 8 points and 13 rebounds were all big, but he could’ve been better from the floor (3-of-6, including three misses in close) and at the free throw line (2-of-7). Mitch Lightfoot and Dwight Coleby, in 10 combined minutes, did enough to get noticed, which was more than could be said for Carlton Bragg Jr., who had another rough night despite playing 18 minutes.
Backcourt: A-
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Frank Mason, Devonte’ Graham and Josh Jackson just found a way. It wasn’t always pretty, but KU’s lead trio combined for 56 points and some of the biggest plays of the night. An off night by Svi Mykhailiuk accounts for the minus, but after that battle, this group gets an A for willing Kansas to a comeback that won’t soon be forgotten.
Bench: B
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Lagerald Vick played some big minutes in the first half and would’ve played more if not for foul trouble. Self said as much after the game and his strong night — 14 points in 18 minutes — led KU’s bench. As mentioned above, the three bigs who came off the bench delivered a mixed bag of production.
