Quick grades for five aspects of KU’s 74-72, Big 12 title clinching victory over Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
Offense: A
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There were a couple of no-shows. And, as KU coach Bill Self mentioned after the game, Kansas was largely unable to play through big man Udoka Azubuike in the post. But they didn’t need to on Saturday, as seniors Devonte’ Graham and Svi Mykhailiuk made darn sure the Jayhawks did not let the opportunity to clinch a share of Big 12 title No. 14 get away from them. Kansas shot 50 percent from the floor and avenged a 6-of-26 showing from downtown in a home loss to the Red Raiders by knocking in 44 percent of their 3-pointers on Saturday.
Defense: B-
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This would have been higher if the Jayhawks had limited Texas Tech’s offensive rebounds. Instead, after giving up 18 offensive boards to the Red Raiders in Lawrence, KU gave up 15 more on Saturday. That led to 16 second-chance points and directly kept Texas Tech in the game. When it mattered most, Kansas got big time stops down the stretch, but swiped just four steals all afternoon and only harassed Tech into eight turnovers.
Frontcourt: C+
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Udoka Azubuike finished with just six points (on 3-of-4 shooting) but added seven hard-earned boards and blocked three shots. The points left more than a little to be desired, but also were not needed on Saturday. Mitch Lightfoot played limited minutes behind him but grabbed three rebounds and had a key block late. Overall, a slightly above average game for KU’s two big men — Silvio De Sousa did not play — but not one to write home about.
Backcourt: A
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We’ve already talked about Graham and Svi and they were terrific. Malik Newman had his moments and hit a couple of big 3-pointers, but also picked up a couple of dumb fouls. And Lagerald Vick had his second rough game of the season against Texas Tech, no-showing in almost every statistical category. Marcus Garrett wasn’t great by any means, but he had a couple of big moments, both as a scorer and the kind of player who does all of those little things that don’t always get recorded in the stat book.
Bench: C
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Garrett and Lightfoot. That was it off the bench for the Jayhawks on Saturday. And while they weren’t great by any means, they were solid in spots and contributed positively to KU’s victory.
