kansan.com
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Volume 125 Issue 79
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Last night, they found him on the court in Hilton Coliseum.
COMMENTARY Johnson shines at Iowa State
It couldn't happen at a better time. With 47 seconds remaining, the Jayhawks looked on, shocked by yet another Georges Niang 3-pointer. Niang contributed three 3-point field goals in his 15-point performance, pushing the Iowa State lead at that moment to a daunting 87-82.
The Elijah that dropped 18 against Purdue to advance Kansas to the Sweet Sixteen and an eventual National Championship appearance?
Kansas fans have been looking for him for quite some time in this 2013 campaign.
Remember NCAA Tournament Elijah Johnson?
The Jayhawks stood to lose their share of the lead in the Big 12, with Kansas State beating Texas Tech 75-55 earlier in the night. They also stood to prolong Bill Self's road to 500 career victories. Not on Elias's night.
The senior point guard, who faced much scrutiny from coaches and fans alike throughout the season, played the game of his career when the Jayhawks needed it most.
Elijah scored 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting with seven assists and a perfect 7-of-7 performance at the free-throw line. Even better, Johnson attacked the rim with more confidence than he has since last year's NCAA Tournament. The game turned out to be a career high for Johnson, and a clutch mark at that, considering the moment.
Yes, it's one game. But after a rock-solid performance like that, it's tough to argue the mindset of Elijah Johnson.
Lookout, Big 12; the Jayhawks are holding on to their share of the lead.
With Kevin Young and Jeff Withey fouled out in what was a rough performance at best for Big 12 officials. Elijah Johnson took over. The senior scored 12 points in overtime after leading Kansas down the stretch in another shootout that nearly slipped from the grasp of the Jayhawks.
It comes down to three fundamentals of a fierce leader and competitor: Johnson saw shots fall early and gained confidence. That confidence fed his aggressive mindset in attacking the rim. Aggressive play down the stretch fed Johnson in those clutch-closing moments of the first half and the overtime.
Even better, Elijah's back.
What changed in Elijah's performance?
Eight points in the final 32 seconds to tie a game on the road in Hilton Coliseum. It doesn't get any more clutch — until the overtime period.
Edited by Sarah McCabe
Down 87-82 with 32 seconds on the clock, it was Elijah who hit the 3-pointer to pull the Jayhawks within two. Elijah hit the next 3-pointer, an impossible fadeaway with 15 seconds on the clock, cutting the lead to 88-89. He also hit the two free throws that tied a game that looked like a loss shortly before his run.
MAJOR MILESTONE
500 MEMORIES
Nine seasons and 500 victories in, Self has made his mark on Kansas
GEOFFREY CALVERT
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gcalvert@kansan.com
Take a look back at coach Bill Self's most memorable victories.
NDV 25 2003 - MICHIGAN STATE
JAN. 1. 2005 - GEORGIA TECH
Bill Self wins a huge showdown with the Spartans in only his second game as Kansas head coach.
Senior guard Keith Langford hits a jumper with three seconds left in overtime to give Kansas a 70-68 victory. The Jayhawks overcome a 14-point deficit.
JAN. 9. 2005 - KENTUCKY
Playing without forward Wayne Simien due to a thumb injury, forwards Christian Moody and C.J. Giles combine for 21 points to give Kansas a 65-59 victory, its first ever in Lexington, Ky.
FEB. 27, 2005 - OKLAHOMA STATE
Kansas stops its three-game losing streak with a dramatic 81-79 victory against the Cowboys behind senior forward Wayne Simien's career-high 32 points. The victory helps Kansas grab a share of the conference title, the first of Kansas' eight straight titles.
NOV. 25, 2006 - FLORIDA
Sophomore guard Brandon Rush makes the game-winning layup to lift Kansas over No. 1 Florida, 82-80, in overtime.
FEB. 5, 2006 - OKLAHOMA
The Sooners take a 50-34 lead midway through the second half, but Kansas out-scores them 25-8 the rest of the way. With 20 seconds remaining, freshman guard Mario Chalmer begins to make his name as a clutch player, hitting the game-winning shot.
MARCH 11.2007-TEXAS
MARCH 3. 2007 - TEXAS
Kansas overcomes a 22-point first half deficit to take the Big 12 Tournament crown from Texas and Kevin Durant.
APRIL 7.2008-MEMPHIS
Mario's Miracle, with two seconds left in regulation during the NCAA Championship, extends the game into overtime. Kansas eventually wins 75-68 to claim its fifth national championship.
In his first game as a Jayhawk, freshman guard Josh Selby give a 3-pointer with 26 seconds left to give the Jayhawks a 70-68 victory over the Trojans.
DEC. 2, 2009 - ALCORN STATE
Kansas overcomes a 12-point halftime deficit to take the Big. 12 regular season crown from Texas and Kevin Durant.
DEC.18,2010-USC
The Braves score the game's first four points, then Kansas responds with a 36-0 run, one point shy of the NCAA record. The Jayhawks win 98-31.
In his first game after his mother's funeral, sophomore forward Thomas Robinson contributes 17 points and nine rebounds in a 90-66 demolishing of Kansas State.
JAN. 29, 2011 - KANSAS STATE
Junior forward Thomas Robinson blocks Phil Pressey's layup at the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. In the extra period, senior guard Tyshawn Taylor hits two free throws to give Kansas an 87-86 victory in the final game between the two schools as members of the Big 12 Conference.
FEB. 25, 2012 - MISSOURI
FEB. 25, 2013 - IOWA STATE
Edited by Taylor Lewis
After a close bout in overtime, Kansas beat Iowa, 108-96, marking Self's 500th victory at Kansas.
DEC. 2, 2009 Alcorn State, 98 - 31
JAN.29,2011 Kansas State, 90-66
FEB.25,2012 Missouri,87-86
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