Jayhawks Fly Past Buffaloes, 97-74

Jan. 27, 2007

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes |

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Sophomore guards Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush combined for 42 points, while fellow guards Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins added 12 and 11 respectively, as eighth-ranked Kansas downed visiting Colorado, 97-74 Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The win moves KU to 18-3 overall and 5-1 in Big 12 play, while CU drops to 5-12 and 1-6 in the conference.

Despite the losing record coming in, the Buffaloes stayed in the game until KU put on a 24-5 run during a seven-minute stretch of the second half. During the Jayhawks’ surge, CU did not score a field goal, scoring all five points from the foul line.

Rush and Chalmers led the way with 21 points apiece. Rush, who made his first five shots from the field, finished 8-for-13 with eight rebounds and four assists. Chalmers was 8-for-12 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the three-point line. As a team, KU shot 65 percent (11-for-17) from the three-point arc.

The Jayhawk defense forced 30 CU turnovers, the most by a KU opponent this season. KU also collected a season-high 19 steals, including a career-high six by Julian Wright.

KU’s 19 steals led to 34 points off turnovers, including 28 on the fast break.

Junior guard Richard Roby led Colorado with 30 points, the most scored by an individual against the Jayhawks this season.

The Jayhawks will travel to Nebraska on Monday for an 8 p.m. ESPN Big Monday tip against the Huskers.