Here’s what propelled Kansas basketball’s 2nd half comeback vs ASU, plus more takeaways

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LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball needed a second-half comeback, but it still left Wednesday’s home game with a 74-55 win against Arizona State in Big 12 Conference play.

The No. 12 Jayhawks (11-3, 2-1 in Big 12) were down six points at the end of the first half but out-scored the Sun Devils (10-4, 1-2 in Big 12) by 25 points after halftime. Kansas is now on a two-game winning streak and keeps the momentum gained from its recent win against UCF.

Here are a few takeaways from the game:

RELATED: Kansas basketball vs Arizona State final score: Jayhawks rally in 2nd half for Big 12 win

Kansas’ defense improved significantly in the 2nd half

The fact that Kansas only allowed 13 points after halftime didn’t come by accident. It also wasn’t because Arizona State just stopped hitting shots the Sun Devils did in the first half. The Jayhawks played with a level of energy and execution, especially in the way they pressured the full length of the court at times, which stymied Arizona State. By the game’s end, Kansas had scored 22 points off of 18 turnovers.

Jayhawks coach Bill Self explained postgame he didn’t think his team played great by any stretch offensively. Just look at how Kansas shot worse from the field and from behind the arc in the second half, compared to the first half, and weren’t relying so much on free throws to rectify that issue either. From Self’s perspective, that’s as energized as he’s seen a team play defensively throughout a half.

Kansas earns a key win at home

Given how tough the Big 12 is, losing at home is something that can hurt a team significantly. That loss recently at home against West Virginia could haunt Kansas at the end of the season, when it comes to winning a regular season title. Self noted, though, that it’s something they have to move on from and after a disappointing first half against Arizona State that’s what they ended up being able to do.

Self said he’s always thought Allen Fieldhouse provides a great home-court advantage,…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/propelled-kansas-basketball-2nd-half-054337945.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2025-01-09 05:43:00

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