Post by MizzouTiger on Feb 23, 2008 23:09:18 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/story/502367.html
KU upset at Oklahoma State after Rush’s shot clanks
By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH
The Kansas City Star
STILLWATER, Okla. | Brandon Rush’s second-half resurgence fell just short as his game-winning three-point attempt clanged off the iron, handing No. 4 Kansas a 61-60 loss to Oklahoma State.
Rush, who was held scoreless in the first half, had 12 points in the second. Fifteen would have won it for the Jayhawks, who were victimized by Oklahoma State point guard Byron Eaton’s 26 points. Eaton hit 16 of 18 free throws. His 16th won the game for the Cowboys, who dealt what could be a lethal blow to KU’s Big 12 title hopes.
Kansas, 24-3, 9-3, in the Big 12, now falls a game behind 10-2 Texas in the standings. The Jayhawks will need some help from their conference brethren to even win a share of the title at this point.
Trailing 48-39 with more than 9 minutes to play, KU started to click offensively for the first time. It was no coincidence that Rush woke up during this stretch. He hit a jumper off a pump fake, then converted two three-point plays. Rush grabbed a rebound and was fouled converting the putback. Then he hit his first three-pointer of the game, which tied the score at 54-54, completing a 15-6 KU run.
The Jayhawks would take a 58-54 lead on a left-handed hook shot by Sasha Kaun and another jumper from Rush. But a Marcus Dove three gave the Cowboys the lead again at 60-58. Darnell Jackson, who had 16 points to lead KU, tied the game at 60 before Eaton’s free throw won it for the Cowboys on the other end.
No. 4 KU turned it over 21 times, playing its worst offensive basketball of the season — particularly during the first eight minutes when it scored only eight points. Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers and Rush all took shots that failed to hit the rim. Several times, the Jayhawks threw the ball to nobody.
Still, because of its defense, KU stayed in the game, trailing just 10-8 at the second media timeout.
While no team took control of the game early, the officials more than made up for it, calling 14 fouls — seven on each team — in the opening nine minutes. KU’s Sherron Collins and Arthur each picked up two fouls in the first five minutes and were forced to sit. Sasha Kaun and Chalmers would later pick up their second fouls.
It was no surprise that the officials called the game closely, not after a scuffle between the Cowboys and Jayhawks occurred with 15 minutes left. Oklahoma State’s Ibrahima Thomas and Arthur were called for technical fouls; Arthur’s served as his second personal foul.
One Oklahoma State fan sitting courtside became so irritated by the officiating that he voiced his opinion to one of the referees. The official asked that the fan be removed from the game, and his wish was granted. A policeman escorted the man out of Gallagher-Iba Arena to loud applause.
Overall, 47 fouls were called, 23 on Oklahoma State and 24 on Kansas. Arthur fouled out with six minutes left for KU.
KU upset at Oklahoma State after Rush’s shot clanks
By J. BRADY McCOLLOUGH
The Kansas City Star
STILLWATER, Okla. | Brandon Rush’s second-half resurgence fell just short as his game-winning three-point attempt clanged off the iron, handing No. 4 Kansas a 61-60 loss to Oklahoma State.
Rush, who was held scoreless in the first half, had 12 points in the second. Fifteen would have won it for the Jayhawks, who were victimized by Oklahoma State point guard Byron Eaton’s 26 points. Eaton hit 16 of 18 free throws. His 16th won the game for the Cowboys, who dealt what could be a lethal blow to KU’s Big 12 title hopes.
Kansas, 24-3, 9-3, in the Big 12, now falls a game behind 10-2 Texas in the standings. The Jayhawks will need some help from their conference brethren to even win a share of the title at this point.
Trailing 48-39 with more than 9 minutes to play, KU started to click offensively for the first time. It was no coincidence that Rush woke up during this stretch. He hit a jumper off a pump fake, then converted two three-point plays. Rush grabbed a rebound and was fouled converting the putback. Then he hit his first three-pointer of the game, which tied the score at 54-54, completing a 15-6 KU run.
The Jayhawks would take a 58-54 lead on a left-handed hook shot by Sasha Kaun and another jumper from Rush. But a Marcus Dove three gave the Cowboys the lead again at 60-58. Darnell Jackson, who had 16 points to lead KU, tied the game at 60 before Eaton’s free throw won it for the Cowboys on the other end.
No. 4 KU turned it over 21 times, playing its worst offensive basketball of the season — particularly during the first eight minutes when it scored only eight points. Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers and Rush all took shots that failed to hit the rim. Several times, the Jayhawks threw the ball to nobody.
Still, because of its defense, KU stayed in the game, trailing just 10-8 at the second media timeout.
While no team took control of the game early, the officials more than made up for it, calling 14 fouls — seven on each team — in the opening nine minutes. KU’s Sherron Collins and Arthur each picked up two fouls in the first five minutes and were forced to sit. Sasha Kaun and Chalmers would later pick up their second fouls.
It was no surprise that the officials called the game closely, not after a scuffle between the Cowboys and Jayhawks occurred with 15 minutes left. Oklahoma State’s Ibrahima Thomas and Arthur were called for technical fouls; Arthur’s served as his second personal foul.
One Oklahoma State fan sitting courtside became so irritated by the officiating that he voiced his opinion to one of the referees. The official asked that the fan be removed from the game, and his wish was granted. A policeman escorted the man out of Gallagher-Iba Arena to loud applause.
Overall, 47 fouls were called, 23 on Oklahoma State and 24 on Kansas. Arthur fouled out with six minutes left for KU.