Zeke Mayo’s 24 points, including two clutch free throws with 3.1 seconds remaining, propelled No. 11 Kansas to a hard-fought 91-87 victory over UCF on Tuesday night. The Jayhawks (15-5, 6-3 Big 12), rebounding from a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Houston, also saw strong performances from Hunter Dickinson (24 points) and Flory Bidunga (10 points, 11 rebounds).
“We were just trying to survive,” admitted Kansas coach Bill Self, highlighting the team’s struggles without injured point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. “I think it’s pretty evident how valuable how (Dajuan) is after watching our ball handling and getting us into offense and defense. I think it’s pretty evident how valuable KJ (Adams) is too.”
UCF (13-7, 4-5), led by Keyshawn Hall’s 34 points and Darius Johnson’s 19, held a nine-point lead early in the second half. However, a 12-2 run by Kansas gave them their first lead since the first half.
Clinging to an 87-86 advantage, Kansas got a pair of crucial free throws from Adams, returning from a shoulder injury, with 4.6 seconds left. After Johnson made one of two free throws for UCF, Mayo sealed the win with his free throws.
The win prevents Kansas from losing consecutive games at Allen Fieldhouse, a feat they haven’t suffered since 1989 under Roy Williams.
Stat of the Game:
Kansas’ bench outscored UCF’s bench 29-2.
Next Up:
The Kansas Jayhawks travel to Waco, Texas on Saturday to face the Baylor Bears. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. on 95.5 KNDY, Z-96.3 The Lake and SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM KQNK.
