Jayhawks Scorch the Nets in Exhibition Win

Nov. 7, 2004

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LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas men’s basketball team tipped off the 2004-05 season with a 115-70 win over Emporia State, Sunday, Nov. 7 in Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks opened the home exhibition season in front of a sellout crowd of 16,300. The win gave KU a perfect 5-0 record in exhibition play this year after going 4-0 on a Labor Day tour in British Columbia, Canada.

Head coach Bill Self utilized most of the Jayhawk roster playing 13 of the 14 available players. Sophomore J.R. Giddens exploded for 18 first half points on seven of eight shooting, including three from behind the arc. Giddens, who was one of five `Hawks to reach double figures, finished with a game-high 22 points.

The Jayhawks’ four seniors combined for 47 points. Senior Wayne Simien connected on all seven of his shot attempts including two three pointers for 17 points, while Keith Langford added 15. Simien also recorded a game-high 10 rebounds. Michael Lee chipped in with 11 points and Aaron Miles added a game-high 12 assists.

Freshman Russell Robinson had an impressive first home performance with 11 off the bench.

“I thought we played very well,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “I thought we guarded hard and were good in transition. Of course everything looks good when you make shots, but we really shared the basketball. We were making the extra pass, and guys were getting good looks.”

Emporia State junior Shawn Herrman paced the Hornets with 17 points and five rebounds. Senior guard Jay Miller added 14 points. KU shot 63 percent from the field, connecting on 46-of-73 shots while holding ESU under 40 percent shooting.

Kansas will return to action for its final exhibition game on Sunday, Nov. 14, against Washburn. The regular season begins on Nov. 19 when the Jayhawks host Vermont.