Kansas 75 - Iowa State 64

Comments and Observations

It wasn't a thoroughly dominating performance by the Jayhawks, but most KU fans can breathe a sigh of relief after a conference road victory.  This is especially in true in light of ISU's better-than-usual 3FG shooting, particularly during a short stretch in the second half.  It was mostly a workmanlike performance for Kansas, with the team's leading scorer doing just that.  It helped that KU finally shot well from behind the arc.  Now let's see if they can take that into their next game, which happens to be a rematch against bitter rival, Kansas State. 

Offensive and Defensive Performance

Using the outcome of the game and the adjusted offensive and defensive efficiencies for each team, performance indicates (in PTS per 100 Possessions) how each team would have fared against an average team.  That is, KU's offensive performance is how many points per 100 possessions KU would have scored against an average defense.  This provides a standard performance we can compare across teams.

Four Factor Analysis

(Actual statistics moved to Game Projections table below)

Player Performance Analysis

He was the MVP by my analysis going into the game, and I doubt that he'll be replaced after this game.  Mario Chalmers put on an impressive display from the field (81 eFG%, 3-of-4 from 3FG), with 2 STL and just 1 TO in 31 minutes of play.  It makes you wonder why Self doesn't draw up more plays for Mario to take some deep treys.  Sasha Kaun didn't have nearly the same total impact, but he was essentially as efficient as Chalmers.  He made 4-of-5 shots, with 2 REB and 3 BLK in just 16 MIN.  Brandon Rush put in one of his better performances of late, with 55 eFG% shooting (3-of-4 from deep), 3 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK and 2 TO in a team-high 37 MIN.

The obvious choice for MVP for many was Darrell Arthur by virtue of his 18 PTS, 10 REB (5 OREB) in 31 MIN.  Even though he made 50 eFG%, it meant that he missed 9 shots on a night when KU did score fairly well (1.11 pts/poss).  In addition, he committed 4 PF.  Those negatives aren't nearly enough to proclaim his game to be bad ... not at all.  It was a very good game for Arthur, just not as efficient or impactful as those of Chalmers and Rush.

Robinson was largely ineffective on offense, particularly when he was driving to the basket.  It has become a frustrating event for KU fans when Robinson drives but fails to finish.  He redeemed himself with a whopping 10 REB and 5 AST with only 2 TO.  Plus, he made 5-of-6 from the foul line.  Darnell Jackson struggled to shoot only 42 eFG%, although he picked up 8 REB (2 OREB) in his 29 MIN of action.  Collins continues to be bothered by his injury, as evidenced by his 4 TO in just 18 MIN.  Fortunately, he still shot 50 eFG% and did a couple of other things to offset the turnovers.  Still, he has really not been effective on any level lately.

For ISU, three guys basically played about the same level (Hubalek, W. Johnson and Garrett).  Only Johnson shot particularly well (59 eFG%), while Hubalek did a lot of his damage on the offensive glass.  Garrett did a great job dishing 6 AST against 0 TO. It was a rough night for Brackins, who shot only 40 eFG% with 2 TO in just 17 MIN.