Kansas Coach Bill Self Reflects on Victory Over No. 13 BYU
The Kansas Jayhawks celebrated a significant milestone on their homecourt with a thrilling 90-82 victory over No. 13 BYU. This game marked the 1,000th event held at the iconic Allen Fieldhouse. Ranked No. 14, Kansas secured its fifth consecutive win, showcasing both skill and resilience.
Kansas Coach Bill Self on the Victory Over BYU
Kansas head coach Bill Self expressed his pride following the game. “It was perfect,” he remarked, recognizing the importance of the day. He praised the atmosphere fueled by ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’ broadcast, stating that it served as a promotional highlight for the university and its athletic department. The crowd’s energy exceeded expectations, contributing to a memorable experience.
First Half Dominance
The Jayhawks showcased their talent in the opening half, scoring an impressive 53 points. They excelled from beyond the arc, going 9 of 12 on three-point attempts, which established a commanding 20-point lead at halftime. Darryn Peterson, projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, was exceptional, contributing 18 points in the first half alone.
Self highlighted the team’s strategy, mentioning, “We took care of it, we took good shots. The ball moved, and the basket got big for everybody.” He acknowledged that while shooting 9 of 12 from three-point range was remarkable, the team’s overall performance was the key to their success.
Challenges in the Second Half
The second half brought unexpected challenges for the Jayhawks. Shortly after the break, Peterson suffered from cramps and had to exit the game. His absence allowed BYU to reduce the deficit, closing the gap to just four points at one point. Despite this pressure, Kansas managed to maintain composure and secure the victory by eight points.
Reflecting on the team’s fatigue, Self noted, “We were exhausted on both ends.” The initial burst of energy presumably came from adrenaline, which later subsided, impacting the team’s performance. He acknowledged the challenge of limited depth in their roster.
Defensive Efforts Against BYU
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, considered a top contender alongside Peterson for the upcoming draft, scored 17 points but faced a tough defense from the Jayhawks. Self emphasized the importance of contesting Dybantsa’s shots without attempting to block them directly. He praised his team’s efforts in limiting his scoring opportunities, particularly throughout the initial three quarters of the game.
- Final Score: Kansas 90, BYU 82
- Milestone: 1,000 games at Allen Fieldhouse
- Kansas Record: 5 straight wins
- First Half Points: 53
- 3-Point Shooting: 9 of 12
- Top Scorer: Darryn Peterson – 18 points in the first half
- BYU’s Top Scorer: AJ Dybantsa – 17 points
Overall, the victory not only marked a significant achievement for the Kansas basketball program but also served as a testament to the team’s perseverance and dedication on the court.
