November 06, 2007

Jayhawks Trample Fort Hays State 93-56

Nov. 6, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Darrell Arthur’s game high 20 points led the University of Kansas men’s basketball team to a 93-56 exhibition victory Tuesday night over Fort Hays State in Allen Fieldhouse. KU used a 22-3 run midway through the first half to extend its lead to 27 points. Four Jayhawks scored in double figures, helping the team conclude the exhibition season with a 2-0 record.

Sophomore Arthur tallied 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting, and tied seniors Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun for a team-leading eight boards. Junior Mario Chalmers scored 14 points, including three 3-point makes. Chalmers also led the team with six steals.

Sophomore Sherron Collins scored 12 points while Jackson added 10. Steady senior Russell Robinson led Kansas with 10 assists, while scoring seven points and snatching six rebounds.

Junior Tyrone Evans led Fort Hays State with 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting, but it was not enough to overcome the Jayhawks 60-14 points in the paint advantage. KU also scored 27 fast break points while surrendering none to FHSU.

Kansas’ eight first half steals helped the Jayhawks open the game on a 14-2 run. During the run KU’s defense forced Fort Hays State to hit only one of its first 13 shots.

KU’s 43-17 halftime advantage was a result of strong defense as Fort Hays State shot only 17 percent (6-for-35) from the field.

The two teams played a back-and-forth second half that was headlined by a scintillating Arthur reverse alley-oop dunk from Russell Robinson to push the Jayhawk lead to 82-47.

Twelve Jayhawks scored in the victory, including a bucket by freshman Chase Buford, his first at KU. Kansas shot 56 percent from the field (38-for-68), while holding Fort Hays State to 31 percent shooting (19-for-62).

KU improved to 46-7 all-time in exhibition contests, including a 14-0 record under head coach Bill Self.

The Jayhawks will formally open its 2007-08 season as they host Louisiana Monroe in their first regular season game on Friday evening. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m., in Allen Fieldhouse.