If there was ever any question about how the go-to guy was going to be for these Kansas Jayhawks, they were answered emphatically on Thursday night. Jalen Wilson started out hot and never looked back, helping the home team to build a dominant lead in the first half that never got close after halftime.
Kansas got started right away, as Wilson combined with freshman Gradey Dick to score the first 14 points for the Jayhawks. Freshman MJ Rice saw his first action of the season, coming off the bench and immediately making an impact.
The Jayhawks overwhelmed the Bison in the first half, only allowing the visitors to shoot 7-28 from the field, including 5-20 from beyond the arc. And when North Dakota State missed, Kansas didn't give them many second chances, securing 19 defensive rebounds to NDSU's 2 offensive rebounds.
On the other side, Kansas was a blistering 19-34 (55.9%) from the field, including 6-12 (50%) from beyond the arc. Jalen Wilson had 17 in the first half on 6-8 shooting, with Gradey Dick the next highest at 8 points. The Jayhawks led 48-19 at the half.
The second half was more of the same, as despite cooling off to begin the second half, the Bison were unable to take advantage. Until the final shot went in for North Dakota State to set the final margin, Kansas never led by less than 25.
It was a balanced effort from the Jayhawks, as no one played more than 26 minutes on the night. Wilson led all scorers with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Dick scored 12 and Rice scored 10. They were the only Jayhawks to score in double figures.
Bobby Pettiford stood out for the second straight game, spelling Dajuan Harris at the point guard position and leading the Jayhawks with 8 assists on the night. All four options in the post got a run in tonight's game, as KJ Adams got the start, but Zach Clemence, Ernest Udeh and Zuby Ejiofor all saw a decent number of minutes.
Next up for the Jayhawks is a Champions Classic matchup against the Duke Blue Devils in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30pm Central on Tuesday November 15. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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