Langford's Heroics Lead KU Past Georgia Tech in Overtime

Jan. 1, 2005

Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

Jayhawk Total Access Video Highlights

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas men’s basketball team overcame its biggest deficit of the season to beat visiting Georgia Tech 70-68 in overtime, Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. Senior guard Keith Langford nailed a fall-away jumper with 3.3 seconds remaining for the victory.

Langford led KU with 18 points after scoring 16 in the second half. Sophomore guard J.R. Giddens added 16 points, while senior guard Aaron Miles connected on 4-of-5 three-point shots to collect 14 points. It was another milestone day for Miles, as just 10 days after setting the Big 12 record for career assists, Miles became KU’s all-time assist leader. He recorded a game-high eight assists against Tech and currently has 808 assists in his career.

Georgia Tech jumped out the gates quickly to grab an 18-4 lead. The Jayhawks narrowed the Yellow Jacket advantage to 34-27 at the break.

The Jayhawks hit seven second half three pointers to keep the game close. Langford nailed a three with 1:34 remaining for the first tie of the game. The Jayhawks had a chance to win the contest at the end of regulation, but Langford’s shot fell just short.

The lead changed hands three times during the overtime period. After a Langford jumper gave the `Hawks a slim one-point advantage with 44 seconds left in OT, Georgia Tech’s Isma’il Muhammad connected on 1-of-2 free throws to tie the game 68-68. With the shot clock off, Langford took the game into his hands and calmly hit the winning shot from just inside the free throw line.

“It was an unbelievable game with a great atmosphere,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “I am so proud of our guys for playing tough and with courage the entire game.”

Georgia Tech’s Jarrett Jack led all scorers with 26 points. Luke Schenscher added 10 for the Yellow Jackets.

Kansas (9-0) will tip-off the Big 12 season with it faces Texas A&M on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at Allen Fieldhouse. Game-time is scheduled for 8 p.m.