Conclusões, recapitulação da vitória no basquete KU contra UConn

Kansas Jayhawks guard Kevin McCullar released a well-deserved roar on Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

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As KU struggled to score late in the second half against UConn, McCullar canned two straight 3-pointers.

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After one of McCullar’s 3s, Jayhawks star big man Hunter Dickinson hit a 3-pointer of his own to give KU a 61-54 lead over the Huskies.

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From there, Kansas did just enough to come out on top, with the No. 5-ranked Jayhawks beating No. 4 UConn 69-65 at Allen Fieldhouse.

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McCullar scored 21 points and Dickinson added 15 for Kansas (7-1), which improved to 4-0 all-time against the Huskies.

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UConn guard Cam Spencer attempted a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left with the Huskies trailing by two points, 67-65. He missed. Kansas forward KJ Adams rebounded the ball, then iced the win by making both of his free throws.

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Before that, Kansas had possession with 23.3 seconds and guard Dajuan Harris was fouled. He missed both free throws, which allowed UConn a chance to attempt a game-winning shot.

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Here are some takeaways from Friday evening’s game:

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KU’s defense excels early.

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The Jayhawks’ first-half defense was a sight to behold.

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They were connected and focused. KU blew up multiple dribble-handoffs and forced the Huskies into tough situations as the end of the shot clock.

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UConn resorted to desperation 3-pointers, which to their credit, the Huskies converted by shooting 7 for 14 (50%) from deep.

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But as a whole, the Huskies shot an abysmal 10 for 26 from the floor (38.5%) and never looked comfortable in the first half.

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McCullar and Dickinson make big-time shots

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Time and time again, whenever Kansas needed a bucket, Dickinson and McCullar answered the call.

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They combined to shoot 12 for 22 from the floor (54%) for a total of 36 points.

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Without their clutch shooting late, KU never would’ve pulled this one out.

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Kansas guards struggle on offense

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KU’s starting guards, Elmarko Jackson and Dajuan Harris, haven’t had the best start on the offensive end this season.

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That did not change Friday.

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The guards combined to shoot 3 for 11 ( 27%) from the floor for a total of nine points. And when they struggle to score, immense pressure falls upon Dickinson and McCullar.

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Not to mention the fact that Kansas’ offense becomes predictable.

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A lone positive for the pair? KU coach Bill Self had called on Harris to be more aggressive offensively, and Harris did just that — even if his shooting splits weren’t great.

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The duo of Harris and Jackson must figure out their scoring issues for KU to make good on its title aspirations.

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UConn red-hot from deep

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Heading into Friday night’s game, the Huskies were shooting 30.9% from 3-point range.

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The number was a bit misleading — their roster has multiple capable shooters who’d just been ice-cold from deep.

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Those players broke out of their slumps on Friday. The Huskies shot 11 for 28 (39.3%) from 3-point range. UConn made a mixture of contested 3s and a couple of open ones due to miscommunication by KU on defense.

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UConn’s very good guard, Tristen Newton, led the way for the Huskies, shooting 6 for 9 (66%) from 3-point range.

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Esta história foi publicada originalmente 1º de dezembro de 2023, 22h36.