The Kansas Jayhawks came out lacking energy against Boston University on Friday night and it showed as the Terriers were able to hang with KU in the first half. On Sunday, KU started the game on the other end of the spectrum -- energy, excitement and emotion.
Markieff Morris drilled a three. Tyshawn Taylor had an alleyoop. Tyrel Reed drilled a three-pointer. Marcus and Markieff Morris were pounding their chests as Kansas cruised to an early double digit lead.
That didn't last too long as Illinois was able to claw their way back behind 11 points and 5-of-9 shooting from Mike Davis. Still, Kansas is playing well enough where I'm still confident they'll win this game.
The Morris brothers have combined for 15 points and 10 boards while KU as a team is shooting 54 percent from the field and 60 percent from beyond the arc. Illinois is shooting 39 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point land.
One surprise early is Tyshawn Taylor who is having a solid game shooting 3-of-3 with seven points. The second basket of the game was a nice Taylor drive through the lane and a layup.
It's still early but Kansas is leading Illinois, 33-29. We'll see if the Jayhawks can pull this one out. The key for the second half is what it usually is -- start inside with the Morris twins and when they try to shut that down bump it out to Tyrel and Co. and make them pay.
Check out Rock Chalk Talk for more on the game.