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2008 KANSAS BASKETBALL
Beasley shuts down Hawks' 25-year streak
The Kansas State Wildcats defeated the Jayhawks in Manhattan Jan. 30. It was the first time in 25 years that Kansas State had a home victory against Kansas."It just wasn't our night," junior guard Brandon Rush said.
Jon Goering/KANSAN
BY MARK DENT mdent@kansan.com
MANHATTAN - All the bad feelings finally returned. The perfect start ended.
Brady Morningstar leaned on a slumpedover Sherron Collins. Chase Buford, dressed in street clothes, patted Tyrel Reed on his head. Brandon Rush stared forward, not looking behind at the court.
None of the Jayhawks wanted to look that direction. That's where the party was. Kansas State won 84-75 Jan. 30, its first home victory against in its rival in 25 years, and the celebration was starting. Fans, who had screamed and booed in a ravenous, vengeful tone for 40 minutes, lifted Michael Beasley, their basketball savior, on their shoulders. Forward Bill Walker, also on top of the crowd, felt vindicated by the
victory.
"Who in here actually thought we could win tonight?" he asked.
The players and fans had good reason to cherish the victory. They deserved it.
"K-State was just a better team than we were tonight," Kansas coach Bill Self said, "offensively and defensive"
That was a shock. Before the game, the hype centered around superb freshman forward Beasley. Everyone knew he was the best player on the court. Would the No. 2 team or the No. 1 freshman win? The rest of the K-State team got lost amid the talk.
Walker scored 12 points in the first half to give his team an early lead, and Self said the Wildcats' guards sped up Russell Robinson, Mario Chalmers and Sherron Collins, who were supposed be the superior players.
"The way that team started gave them confidence," Self said, "and put us on our heels."
It didn't help that the Wildcats couldn't miss. They made 12 of 26 three-pointers, and several of them came during times when Kansas was starting to come back.
"It just wasn't our night," junior guard Brandon Rush said.
But K-State's victory wasn't lucky. Its players came through. Freshman guard Jacob Pullen scored 18 points in the second half and didn't miss a free throw. He, Beasley and Walker - all freshmen - combined to score 67 points.
Kansas' players had been through NCAA Tournaments, Big 12 Championships and countless rivalry games. They didn't show it, though. Collins said the guards often got into the lane then threw the ball away. Sophomore forward Darrell Arthur played brilliantly offensively but hurt himself by picking up his fourth foul early in the second half.
The performance was far different from those the Jayhawks gave in other tight games against Arizona, Southern California, Missouri and Georgia Tech.
"We didn't take advantage of our opportunities," Arthur said.
Because of that, the Jayhawks not only lost their perfect record but lost their position atop the conference. Kansas was now one game behind the Wildcats, who were still undefeated in conference play.
It was the first time the Jayhawks had lost, and Self said the players could use it for their benefit if they improved. A big test for Kansas wouldn't come until Feb. 11 at Texas.
"This could be a good thing for us in the long run," Self said, "but certainly, it stings."
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN