KU disposes of Portland State 85-61 in easy fashion.

Like a cat with a ball soaked in catnip, Kansas toyed with Portland State here and there in the first half, once allowing the game to get as close as 24-18. But a Sherron Collins three, a Brandon Rush J and a breakaway dunk by Mario Chalmers pretty much signaled the end to that, as the Jayhawks built that lead to 26-18 in no time.

In other words, the cat had gone in for the kill.

(Even Mark Mangino, the mad scientist behind KU going to a BCS bowl, looks like he had nothing to worry about at the game today)

Continue reading "Omaha Regional- KU in a breeze" »

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OMAHA, Ne.-- The Kansas Jayhawks dispose of not-so-pesky Portland State 85-61. Ummm, I hope some of these other games in Omaha are going to be more exciting.

Brandon Rush is the leading scorer with 18 points. The Vikings were paced by Jeremiah Dominguez's 11 points. More in a bit.

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OMAHA, Ne.-- Just in case this is Portland State's last appearance in the NCAA tournament for 30-some odd years, I thought I'd go ahead and post a picture of them coming out of a huddle. Just to prove they were actually here.

KU is still controlling things and maintaining the pace to their liking.They are a broiling 9-for-16 from beyond the arc and still hitting 55% from the floor overall.

By the way, at the half, I noticed Sasha Kaun had a little hitch in his giddy-up as he gingerly jogged to the locker room. But looks like it's not a problem now as he appears to be playing aggressively on the offensive end.

Darnell Jackson just crushed another dunk and Mario Chalmers hit a driving layup to put KU up 66-42 with seven and a half left.

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OMAHA, Ne.-- Impressed with the dance girls. All very fit and did a good job during the halftime show. So I'll give them a 7.5. Keep in mind they're not quite up to the USC Song Girls - but that's a tall order for any squad to live up to.

(The KU dance girls are obviously happy with the fact that
KU has forced 10 turnovers and hit 64% from the field)

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OMAHA, Ne.-- Yep, hitting 64% usually means you're playing a good game. That's what KU has done here in Omaha so far today.

The Jayhawks had a few shaky moments (emphasis on few) but they've put it in over-drive on a number of occasions and are cruising to a 49-26 lead at the half here in Omaha.

(Strolling, slapping fives, looking satisfied, KU goes to half with a comfy lead)

Brandon Rush (No. 25 above) leads the 'Hawks with 15 points, including three from beyond the stripe. Darrell Arthur (No. 00 above, slapping fives) has been able to get open looks and has sent home most of his nine points on dunks.

Portland got some looks and close shots early, but the quick hands of KU kept getting in their way. I've been really impressed with KU's feet and hands on defense. Good quickness.

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 01:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OMAHA, Ne.-- Just got some kinks worked out here in Omaha, but I'm back up now. (You come to expect some problems if you've been doing this for any amount of time.)

KU had the way with PSU early on, racing out to a double-digit lead and looking quite comfy.

(Bill Self and crew looked so relaxed early on, they even had time to sit)

But the Vikings came back and pulled with 24-17 by working the ball around better and keeping their cool. But a few easy dunks here and made jumpers and the lead is back up to 31-18 at the 7:37 mark now. KU is now 13-for-18 from the field. Yikes. If that keeps up, Self and Co. can sit a whole lot this game.

Posted by Eric Sorenson at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)