February 05, 2006

KU Comes from Behind to Beat Oklahoma, 59-58

Feb. 5, 2006

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas men’s basketball team (15-6, 6-2 Big 12) defeated the University of Oklahoma (14-5, 5-3 Big 12), 59-58, Sunday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. Freshman guard Mario Chalmers hit the game-winning basket with 20 seconds remaining to propel KU to the victory.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Kansas trailed by as many as 16 when Oklahoma took a 50-34 lead midway through the second half. The 16 points marked the largest deficit the Jayhawks have erased this season. The Jayhawks clawed back behind clutch shooting from Chalmers, freshman forward Julian Wright and tough interior defense from sophomore center C.J. Giles.

Wright scored four of the last six points for the Jayhawks, including a thunderous put-back dunk with 48 seconds remaining in the game. The Chicago Heights, Ill., native tied a season high with 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and two assists, including a no-look feed to freshman guard Brandon Rush for a lay-up in the first half.

Rush finished with a game-high 18 points, three blocks and two 3-pointers, both of which came during the Jayhawks’ second half comeback. Chalmers added 10 points and dished out four assists.

Giles finished with five rebounds, three blocks and converted two points on clutch free throws with 5:52 remaining in the game. Sophomore guard Russell Robinson contributed six points and distributed a game-high five assists.

The game featured 11 lead changes and four ties. Kansas held the Sooners to 34.8 percent shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers. KU outscored Oklahoma 38-28 in the paint and tallied 12 fast-break points. The victory marked the first time the Jayhawks have won this season when trailing with under five minutes to play.

Kansas returns to action Wednesday, Oct. 8, when it travels to Lincoln, Neb., to take on Nebraska. Tip off is slated for 6:30 p.m. from the Devaney Center.