Jayhawks Beat Oklahoma State in Thriller

Feb. 27, 2005

Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas men’s basketball team won a thrilling 81-79 game over No. 4 Oklahoma State, Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse. Oklahoma State guard John Lucas missed a three-pointer with two seconds remaining that could have won the game for the Cowboys.

With the win the Jayhawks take over sole possession of first place in the Big 12 regular season race.

Kansas senior Wayne Simien led four Jayhawks in double-figures with a career-high 32 points on 11-of-17 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line. Simien also added 12 rebounds for his 13th double-double of the season.

The Jayhawks shot a blistering 66 percent from the field in the game. Senior Keith Langford added 14 points on 6-of-8 from the field, while fellow senior Aaron Miles chipped in with 13 points and a game-high six assists.

Junior Christian Moody scored 10 points in the win.

“I have never been a part of a better basketball game,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “This game will go down as one of the best ever played in Allen Fieldhouse.”

“Oklahoma State made a lot of plays today. They are by far the best team we have played all season,” Self added. “We have set the table for what should be a great senior night against Kansas State.”

The Cowboys shot 58 percent from the field. Lucas connected on 9-of-11 shots to score a team-high 22 points. Senior Joey Graham added 19 points and four rebounds, while freshman JamesOn Curry added 15 points.

Senior Stephen Graham added 10 points off the bench for OSU.

Kansas (21-4, 11-3 Big 12), will return home for its final home game of the season, Wednesday night when in-state rival Kansas State comes to Lawrence. Simien, Miles, Langford and Michael Lee will suit up for their last game at Allen Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.