No. 6 Kansas Shoots Down Valparaiso, 79-44
Nov. 15, 2010
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Junior forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris both recorded double-doubles, combining for 34 points and 24 rebounds, while KU’s defense held Valparaiso to just 17 points in the second half en route to a 79-44 triumph over Valpo Monday evening at Allen Fieldhouse.
The win moved Kansas to 2-0 on the season and extended the nation’s longest active home court winning streak to 61 games. The loss dropped Valparaiso to 1-1 on the season and 0-3 all-time against the Jayhawks.
Kansas terrorized the Valpo zone defense by making five threes in the first half. A three by senior guard Tyrel Reed quickly sparked a Jayhawk run that turned a 14-11 lead with 12:33 to play in the opening frame into a 44-27 halftime advantage and KU never looked back.
Reed was outstanding in the first half of play, knocking down 3-of-4 shots from the three-point line, scoring all 11 of his points in the opening frame. He got help from junior forward Marcus Morris who made 5-of-7 shots from the field in the opening period. Morris finished the game with a game-high 22 points to go along with 11 rebounds.
He recorded his first double-double of the season and 10th of this career as he pulled down 11 caroms. Morris also dished four assists.
The Jayhawks began the second half on a 7-2 run in the opening two minutes, forcing the Crusaders to call a timeout. Kansas eventually cooled off from the field, but the game was out of reach.
The Kansas defense was just as dominant as its offense as the Jayhawks held Valparaiso to just 28 percent shooting from the field, including 11 percent from beyond the arc. The Jayhawks also out-rebounded the Crusaders, 47-33, while also recording eight blocks.
Markieff Morris posted a double-double for the second-straight game as he collected 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds in the win.
Jayhawk sophomore forward Thomas Robinson was also in double figures in rebounding with 10, while chipping in eight points. Junior guard Tyshawn Taylor dished a game-high five assists, and scored eight points in the win.
Cory Johnson and Kevin Van Wijk led Valparaiso with 10 points each. Johnson led VU on the boards with seven.
Kansas will return to action on Friday, Nov. 19, when it plays host to North Texas. Game time is slated for 7 p.m., in Allen Fieldhouse.