2008-2009 KANSAS BASKETBALL
5
Jon Goering/KANSAN
Tyshawn Taylor scores two of his 17 points while drawing a foul. Kansas surrendered its lead in the final five minutes and fell to Syracuse in overtime.
BY CASE KEEFER ckeefer@kansan.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Consider the CBE Classic Championship Game a role reversal of the 2008 NCAA Championship Game for Kansas.
In the 89-81 Syracuse overtime victory, Kansas led for more than 35 minutes of regulation. But the Jayhawks failed to put the Orange away by missing key free throws late in the game.
This time, Syracuse sophomore guard Jonny Flynn made the game-tying three-pointer as time expired in the second half. This time, it was the Jayhawks who couldn't overcome the shot in overtime.
Similar to last year's national championship, the game had practically ended when it reached overtime. But this time Kansas was on the losing end.
"Everybody just lost their poise at that point," freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor said. "Everybody - the whole team."
NOVEMBER 28, 2008
Threesbury Coppin State
BY CASE KEEFER
ckeefer@kansan.com
Brady Morningstar is all business all the time.
Brady Morningstar is all business all the time. Morningstar, a sophomore guard, keeps a straight face when he runs through the tunnel after he hears his name called in the Kansas starting lineup. He takes pre-game warm-ups seriously and never jokes around with teammates while stretching or shooting. When he hits a big shot, Morningstar's first thought is to get back on defense.
He knocked down a career-high of them. Morningstar shot seven-of-nine from the field and made six three-pointers. Morningstar wasn't sure if he had ever made that many three-pointers in a game, even in high school
"It was good," Morningstar said. "I'm just glad my teammates were able to get me open shots and I knocked them down."
But even Morningstar couldn't help but show a slight smile after his 21-point, seven-rebound performance in Kansas' 85-53 victory against Coppin State.
or during a scrimmage.
He certainly never compiled a game like this one at Kansas. His previous career-highs were one three-pointer, six points and four rebounds.
Kansas coach Bill Self knew Morningstar's breakout would come during this game. Heck, Self ordered it.
After watching the film of Tuesday's 89-83 defeat to Syracuse, Self decided Morningstar needed to be more involved in the offense. He gave the normally defensive-minded Morningstar a new assignment for the game against Coppin State.
"I told Brady I wanted him to shoot every time he was open." Self said. "And he did."
Morningstar connected on his first four three-point attempts in the first half. His efficiency helped the layhawks cruise to a 34-5 lead with six minutes left in the first half.
"It's time to go out there and play and to hit shots and to help my team win," Morning-star said. "And tonight, I felt like I took a step forward."
DECEMBER 1, 2008
Jayhawks claw way to victory
BY CASE KEEFER ckeefer@kansan.com
Freshman forward Marcus Morris tried to explain Kansas' 87-60 victory against Kent State.
Marcus Morris, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, attempted to make a sense of a game where 46 fouls were called on the two teams combined. The words weren't coming to him.
He wanted to tell everyone exactly what happened in the scrum under the basket four minutes into the second half that resulted in a flagrant foul and ejection of his twin brother, Markieff. But he didn't have a clear view of the altercation while it happened.
On this night, the scratch above Marcus' right eye told the story of the game better than he — or anyone else — could.
"I got scratched," Marcus said. "They were playing very physical, and I think we were playing very physical, too."
It turned into a game devoid of any pace on the floor in the second half.
It was ugly.
Jon Goering/KANSAN
Freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor attacks the basket against Kent State. In a physical game, Kansas hit 32-of-36 attempts at the free-throw line.
Jam. Good Thing.
Jam. Bad Thing.
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAS
APRIL 27, 2009