Kansas 107 - UL-Monroe 78

Comments and Observations

Four Factor Analysis

• eFG% - KU by 64-60%.  The hoops weren't widened, were they?
• TURNOVERS - Advantage huge for KU 31-17%
• OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING - Significant edge to KU, 47-33%
• FREETHROW RATE (FTM/FGA) - Only advantage for ULM 33-21%

CONCLUSION - If it wasn't obvious while watching the game, the numbers clearly show that KU won this game by forcing turnovers.  Meanwhile, the Jayhawks cushioned that advantage with better shooting and offensive rebounding.

Player Performance Analysis

It was the "Darnell Jackson and Sherron Collins Show" without a doubt.  Collins gets the edge in overall contributions by virtue of having more playing time, but Jackson was the slightly more efficient of the two.  If you thought Jackson was the only ridiculously-high percentage shooter on the night at 89%, think again.  Collins had an eFG% of 85 percent!  Collins was an excellent shooter overall last season, so there's no surprise that he's off to a great start.  Jackson not only shot and scored well (career-high), three of his four rebounds were offensive.  Plus he made all five of his free throws.

It should be encouraging for KU fans to see the two freshmen as the next two biggest contributors.  Tyrel Reed had an impressive debut.  In fact, you thought Jackson had the highest eFG% of the night?  Reed shot 110 eFG%!  That's right, over 100 percent.  That's because he made so many three-pointers that they outweighed his shot attempts.  Given his low playing time, he actually had the second most efficient game behind Jackson.  In 10 minutes, Cole Aldrich also had a nice debut, with 6 REB (3 OREB) and 6 PTS.

It was a bit less impressive of an outing for the veterans and Darrell Arthur.  Mario Chalmers made only 1-of-4 3FG's, had 3 TO's but did have 6 AST and 3 STL. Robinson did a little of everything but nothing extraordinary.  Arthur shot poorly on his way to 11 PTS and 6 REB.  It's because KU's offense was so incredibly efficient (1.38 pts/poss) that many of these players' contributions didn't result in higher ratings.  After all, when a possession is worth so much, using a possession (i.e., by taking a shot or turning it over) is a big drag on the rating that must be overcome with positive contributions (made shots, AST, STL, etc).