THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012
PAGE 9B
KANSAS VS. OREGON STATE 7 p.m., Kansas City, MO.
KU TIPOFF
AT A GLANCE
No. 10 Kansas (5-1) played its best basketball of the season in the CBE Classic games at the Sprint Center but still has struggled to put together a complete game on the offensive side of the ball all season. Twice in their game against San Jose State on Monday they jumped out to leads only to see the Spartans come back as the Jayhawk offense went cold. They got away with it against San Jose State on Monday, but won't against the tougher competition from major conferences.
OREGON STATE TIPOFF
Oregon State (4-1) emphasizes post play with a solid crop of frontcourt players. The recent loss of 6-foot-10 senior center Angus Brandt puts the focus on center Joe Burton. After a career night against the Montana State Bobcats, Burton appears to be ready for the challenge. OSU is averaging seven more rebounds than their opponents, a stat that doesn't bode well for the Jayhawks struggling frontcourt.
AT A GLANCE
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Freshman forward Jamari Traylor
Traylor
Taylor's size and athleticism will be needed on the post against the bigger Oregon State lineup he will face on Friday
adjusting to the college game and consistently making his presence felt, but when he puts it all together he'll add a dangerous component off the bench for the Jayhawks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Senior center Joe Burton
Burton has to step up for Oregon State to compete this season. Burton is a big body who enjoys playing with his back to the basket. His
Burton
solid defense and rebounding stats fit the mold for this OSU team. If Burton can get position inside and slow down the quicker forwards of Kansas he could have a solid night.
HEAR YE, HEAR YE
"You would think he'd have a little more juice making recruiting calls over the last four years and the next four years than most college coaches would. I wonder if he introduces himself as coach Robinson or 'I'm the president's brother-in-law?"
-Bill Self on Oregon State coach Craig Robinson, who is First Lady Michelle Obama's brother.
HEAR YE, HEAR YE
"It's a big loss because Angus is a big part of the team. He brings a lot of energy, even off the court. Eric (Moreland), Devon (Collier), Jarmal (Reid) and I have to step up and make up for the rebounds and points. He was a double-double guy and we have to spread out the points and go hard. It was kind of weird without him by my side running down the court."
Senior Center Joe Burton on the loss of Angus Brandt. oswebehers.com
BIG JAY WILL CHEER IF..
The Jayhawks consistently attack the rim all night, preventing the offensive droughts that have plagued them at times this season.
Oregon State plays a more physical game than Kansas in the paint. With rebounders like Burton, Moreland and Starks, OSU can produce plenty of second chance opportunities. If the Jayhawks don't box out, the Beavers will cause trouble in the paint.
BABY JAY WILL CRY IF..
TYLER ROSTE/KANSAN
Freshman Jamari Traylor jumps to shoot over St. Louis defenders. The Jayhawks won the championship game against St. Louis with a final score of 73-59.
Kansas 68, Oregon State 64
Prediction: