6B the university daily kansan
sports
monday, february 23, 2000
VICTORY: Teamwork,effort key in overtime squeaker against ISU
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
The emotional outburst that gave Kansas two free throws and possession of the ball turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Iowa State.
Following the call, the Cyclones reeled off a 20-3 run during the next eight minutes.
In that stretch, the Jayhawks went one-for-14 from the field, with the only field goal coming by way of a dunk by freshman forward David Padgett. Following the Iowa State spurt, Kansas trailed 67-62 with just less than three minutes remaining in regulation.
The run was ended, appropriately, by another Giddens three-pointer.
The freshman hit seven treys on the evening and finished with a career-high 24 points, along with seven rebounds. Then, trailing 72-69 with 30 seconds remaining, Langford canned a three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.
"That was the biggest shot anyone's made for us this year," Self said.
In overtime, the Jayhawks' junior quartet of Langford, forward Wayne Simien, guard Mike Lee and guard Aaron Miles scored 15 of the Jayhawks' 18
Kansas forwards Christian Moody and J.R. Giddens battled Iowa State forward Jackson Vroman for position during a Cyclones' first-half free throw.
points en route to their second straight victory.
"When it went into overtime, I really felt we were going to win the game," Langford said. "We had some momentum. All the little things were in our favor."
Those little things included one of the loudest crowds at Allen Fieldhouse all season, as well as adrenaline.
Keith Langford had 17 points, and turned the ball over just once.
The added energy was keyed by outstanding individual performances.
More importantly, Langford's constant penetration to the basket drew defenders and opened up shots for his teammates on the perimeter.
Also, Kansas' big men — Simien, Padgett and senior forward Jeff Graves — complemented Giddens' and Langford's offensive displays.
"I was telling him the whole second half, 'when they go in, look for me baby, I'm right here,'" Giddens said. "He found me, he did what he did, I did what I did, and it was a good thing."
Simien recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Padgett and Graves combined for 15 points and 17
rebounds
The energy provided by Graves was something fans did not expect so soon from the senior after he was benched last Sunday at Nebraska because of a lack of effort in practice.
For his teammates, it was a
welcome and expected improvement.
"J.G. stepped up big," Gildens said. "He hit some big free throws, got some big rebounds and played some good D. I told him that's what we need to do."
Now the Jayhawks can knock
one of the schools off their revenge checklist. However, more impressive than the payback is that Kansas experienced a tough, but successful game before facing No. 12 Texas tonight.
"They were getting all the
rebounds and just kicking us all over the court," Giddens said. "But people made shots, people made free throws, we got a Wand they got a long ride home, just like we had up there."
— Edited by Nikki Nugent
ATTITUDE: Hawks need to stay out of foul trouble tonight against the conference's deepest team
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
One concern for Kansas tonight will be staying out of foul trouble.
The Jayhawks need to have as many players as they can on hand at all times because Texas is the conference's deepest team, with eight players who could start for most teams in the country.
Texas is also looking to end any hopes Kansas has of winning a Big 12 regular season title.
Oklahoma State is still in first place at 11-1, just a game ahead of Texas.
If Kansas wins, it would be tied with Texas for second, but Texas could hinder Kansas' opportunity for the title if it comes out on top tonight.
On Kansas' side is the reaffirmation in its past two games that the offense is still able to go on
"I know we have to come out and play harder. That's the only chance we have of winning this ball game."
Keith Langford Junior guard
scoring spurts.
The Jayhawks are 16-0 this season when they score more than 70 points, but now must bring the attitude to match the offense to win this heavyweight bout.
"I know we have to come out and play harder," Langford said. "That's the only chance we have of winning this ball game."
Edited by Cindy Yeo
WORK: Jayhawks happy with home victory, face road test tonight
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
He wanted one rebound so bad he had to out-muscle Simien for it in the second half.
"He wants every shot to come off and for him to be able to get it," junior guard Aaron Miles said. "He's attacking the ball, and I think we need that."
Freshman guard J.R. Giddens, who had been hampered by an injured foot last week, brought emotion and effort back into the lineup with six three-pointers in the first half.
It was just one shy of the record for three in one half, set by former Jayhawk Jeff Boschee. He finished the game with seven three-pointers and 24 total points.
Giddens said the emotion of the game was higher than usual, but that was what he expected.
"Every night, since we're Kansas, we get people's best shot," he said. "You can't ever call it quits with a team."
Self said after the game he was happy with the outcome, and
also a little relieved.
It was only the second game the Jayhawks had played that was decided by less than five points, and the first they had won.
The Jayhawks don't have much time to relish the victory as they prepare to play in Austin, Texas, against No. 12 Texas tonight.
Giddens said the close victory should play a part in being able to defeat the Longhorns tonight.
"The heart that we had to have tonight to fight, we can just take that down there to Texas," Giddens said.
If Kansas can do just that and claim the victory, it would be tied for second place with Texas in the Big 12 Conference.
If the Jayhawks don't win, lack of heart and effort probably won't be the reason.
For now, the aftermath of a long, exhilarating victory is still fresh in the minds of the 17-6 Jayhawks.
"That's as much fun as I've had in the fieldhouse." Self said.
— Edited by Nikki Nugent
Annie Bernethy/Kansan
Jeff Graves, senior forward, took a shot against Iowa State's Jared Homan, senior center, Saturday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. Graves finished the game with six points and 12 rebounds.
25% Off
BIG BLUE MONDAY!
BIG BLUE MONDAY! With the outcome of the guys game this weekend, you receive 25% off all KU Merchandise, School and Art Supplies, General Books and Greeting Cards! Discounts based on scores from weekend game, minimum 10%, maximum 30%.
60-69 points =10%.
70-79 = 15%.
80-89 = 20%.
90-99 = 25%.
over 100 = 30%.
*Some restrictions apply. See store for details.