Kevin Young Sparks KU Bench in Victory

Feb. 19, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas’ 83-50 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday saw four Jayhawks score in double figures, including two players who came off the bench; one of the double figure scorers was junior forward Kevin Young.

On his five-of-seven shooting from the field, Young chipped in 10 points to the Jayhawk effort. Young’s 10 points marked the third time this season career that he has scored in double figures, as well as the first time he scored in double figures since his season-high 14-point effort versus Ohio State on Dec. 10. KU’s bench scored 31 points against the Red Raiders with senior Conner Teahan adding 11 points and senior Jordan Juenemann seven in the victory. It was the third most bench points by the Jayhawks this season.

“I was feeling more comfortable and getting into rhythm with the other guys on the court tonight. I was trying to help as much as I could.” said Young, the 6-8 forward from Perris, Calif.

Young was one of the hottest shooters for the Jayhawks on Saturday, shooting 71.4 percent. Along with his double-digit scoring effort, Young also recorded three steals in his 17 minutes on the court – marking the third time he has led the Jayhawks in steals this season.

With just four regular season games remaining until the Big 12 Championship, Young is preparing himself to help the Jayhawks achieve their postseason expectations. As one of the key players in Bill Self’s bench rotation, Young knows he will play a big role during the rest of the Kansas season.

“(If I want to keep getting more minutes), I need to continue to play harder,” Young said.

Kansas’ regular season winds down when they hit the road Wednesday to travel to College Station, Texas, and take on Texas A&M in their final Big 12 meeting. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2.