On a night where both teams looked to bounce back from a loss, a terrific defensive performance by Kansas basketball lifted them to a dominant win.
Iowa State was held to 19 points in the first half and never had a chance in the second thanks to an impressive all-around effort by the Jayhawks. After starting the season 17-2, Iowa State has now dropped three straight to fall three games out of the Big 12 title race.
Meanwhile, for Kansas, they looked energized and played for not only themselves but for the program, which elevates them from a good team to a championship-level team. Iowa State beat Kansas by 17 the first time the two teams played, and Kansas had no problem returning the favor.
Zeke Mayo led the way for the Jayhawks, scoring 17 points on 5-6 shooting from three. Hunter Dickinson and Dajuan Harris also contributed, with both scoring 12 points, and Hunter grabbing nine rebounds to go with Harris’ five assists. For Iowa State, there wasn’t much, with Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Keshon Gilbert all finishing with 11 points. Read below for three takeaways from today’s game.
Takeaway #1: Kansas looks dialed in on defense
In the past three games, Kansas has allowed, 92, 87, and 81 points. Before that three-game stretch, they had only allowed 80 points once this season, the second game of the season against UNC. In this game, they brought it, especially in the first half. Iowa State scored 19 points, the fewest under T.J. Otzelberger since 2019. They shot 23.5% from the field, and 1-12 from three.
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Iowa State wasn’t missing open shots, Kansas was making each shot tough, and through that, they were able to comfortably go up and hold the lead. Josh Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Curtis Jones shot a combined 3/20 (15%) from the field without a single three. All three of them shoot 48.5% or better on the season.
If Kansas brings this defensive intensity every game, this team can be the championship-level team many predicted. KJ Adams brought great energy, and Rylan Griffen didn’t let Curtis Jones out of his sight for a second. The crowd certainly boosted that energy, so it’ll be interesting to see if they can repeat this on the road on Saturday.
Takeaway #2: No weak links
Having a weak link is totally normal, but obviously limits how good your team can perform on any given night. Kansas has had its fair share, with those typically being AJ Storr, KJ Adams, and Rylan Griffen. On Monday, it didn’t feel like that was the case. Dajuan Harris was bringing the energy on both ends, Hunter Dickinson was grabbing rebounds and making post hooks, and even AJ Storr was hitting shots. Rylan Griffen’s box score might make it seem like he was, but defensively he was very important.
If these guys can all play to this level, it will allow Bill Self and Kansas to build some rotation chemistry and help people understand their roles better. It’s a one-game sample size, but this was a peak of what Kansas can be, as long as they’re consistent.
Takeaway #3: Iowa State needs Momcilovic back
Milan Momcilovic might not put up eye-numbing numbers, but his impact is certainly felt during the game. He has been out for nearly a month now, and as Iowa State continues to play better and better competition, his absence is being felt more and more. A big reason is Curtis Jones.
When Jones was coming off the bench, he felt more comfortable and was playing at an All-American level. Although he started off hot when he took over Momcilovic’s spot, you can start to sense that discomfort. Jones, who averages 17.9 a game, hasn’t scored 15 points in a game during the three-game losing streak and has shot under 30% on all three. The Iowa State bench is also extremely weak without Jones, which was shown with just 3 points, which all came in the final 90 seconds of the game.
There is still no timetable for Milan’s return, but hopefully, it’s soon, because they need him, as shown Monday night.
Next up for Kansas basketball (16-6, 7-4): at Kansas State (10-11, 4-6) – Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST)
Next up for Iowa State basketball (17-5, 7-4): vs. TCU (11-10, 4-6) – Feb. 8 at 11:00 a.m. CST (12:00 p.m. EST)