Kansas to Play Host to Nebraska in Men's Hoops on ESPN Saturday at 3 p.m.
Jan. 19, 2006
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Kansas looks to get back to its winning ways when its plays host to Nebraska. The Jayhawks are currently 10-6 on the season and 1-2 in Big 12 play after their 89-86 overtime loss at Border Showdown foe Missouri on Monday. KU has lost two straight games by a total of seven points. Nebraska is currently 12-4 on the season and 2-1 in the Big 12 after its 88-75 loss against Iowa State Tuesday in Lincoln.
About Kansas
Kansas (10-6, 1-2) entered the week second nationally in field goal percentage defense at 36.1 percent and trails Big 12 foe Texas (35.8). The Jayhawks also ranked in the NCAA Division I statistics in blocked shots – 12th at 6.2 per game, assists – 12th at 18.1 per game, scoring margin – 19th at 14.3 per game and rebound margin – 19th at 6.8 per game. Guard Brandon Rush leads the team and Big 12 freshmen class in scoring with 13.1 points per game. Rush also leads KU in three-point field goals made with 21. Sophomore center Sasha Kaun is next in scoring at 9.7 points per game and paces the team in rebounds with a 6.3 average – 12th in the Big 12. Freshman Mario Chalmers is second in the Big 12 and 37th nationally in steals with 2.4 per game. Chalmers is coming off back-to-back 20-point efforts heading into today. He also leads KU in assists and his 3.6 dimes per game are ninth in the conference.
About Nebraska
Nebraska (12-4, 2-1) has won three of its last four games and six of its last eight heading into Allen Fieldhouse. NU is 1-1 in road games this season after a 57-42 win at Kansas State Jan. 11. The Huskers average 69.9 points per game and are giving up 63.9. NU is 2-1 in Big 12 play for the second straight season and led by senior forward Wes Wilkinson who is averaging 12.7 points after his 19 points and nine rebounds against Iowa State Tuesday. Wilkinson leads the team in rebounds as well with a 7.1 average, just ahead of sophomore teammate Maric Aleks’ seven per game. Sophomore guard Joe McCray leads the team with 35 three-pointers and 22 steals this season, while freshman Marcus Walker paces the team in assists with 46.
The Series
This series dates back to 1900 and Kansas leads 156-71, including an 82-23 record in Lawrence and 45-7 mark in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won three straight and 12 of the last 13 meetings with the Huskers dating back to the final meeting of the 1999 season. The last NU win in the series was 74-55 in 2004 in Lincoln, Neb. Kansas has won six straight against Nebraska in Allen Fieldhouse dating back to 1999. Last season Kansas edged Nebraska 59-57 in the Fieldhouse and won 78-65 in Lincoln, Neb.
Up Next
Kansas returns home to take on Nebraska on Jan. 21 in Allen Fieldhouse. The KU-NU tilt will be televised on ESPN with a 3 p.m. (Central) tip. The game will also mark the official opening of the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.
