Jayhawks Shocked in First Round

March 18, 2005

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The University of Kansas men’s basketball team ended its season on Friday with a 64-63 loss to Bucknell in the first round of the 2005 NCAA tournament. On the games’ final possession, KU senior Wayne Simien’s 15-footer fell short as time expired.

After two free throws from Kansas senior Keith Langford with 30 seconds remaining, the Jayhawks took the lead at 63-62. On the ensuing possession, Bucknell’s Chris McNaughton banked in a hook shot to give the Bison the lead for good.

In his final game, Big 12 player of the year and Naismith Award candidate Simien led the Jayhawks with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Fellow senior Michael Lee joined Simien in double-figures with a career-high 18 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

In limited action, senior Keith Langford made his return scoring seven points in the loss.

The Jayhawks shot 50 percent from the field and connected on 22-of-27 from the free-throw line. Bucknell hit 21-of-51 from the field and connected on eight three-pointers.

“The game never had a lot of rhythm for us and Bucknell played great,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said.”We knew that their strengths could expose us.

“Our guys have worked awful hard this season,” Self added.”I feel terrible for the seniors, but they should be proud of themselves and hold their heads high.”

Bucknell junior Kevin Bettencourt led three Bison in double-figures wit 19 points. Fellow junior Charles Lee added 15 points, while McNaughton chipped in with 14 points in the win.

KU ends its season with a 23-7 record.