LAWRENCE, Kan. — A year later, it was a much different type of frustration felt by West Virginia coach Bob Huggins that sat in front of Kansas media following a loss to the Jayhawks.
With Saturday’s 78-53 loss, the Mountaineers fell to 0-7 at Allen Fieldhouse.
This was unlike last season’s 77-69 defeat, in which WVU blew a late lead and Huggins was ejected while complaining about KU’s 35-2 edge in free-throw attempts.
By the end of this game, Huggins actually received a pat from referee Kipp Kissinger in a sort of condolence for what has been a long and tiring season.
“It’s another loss,” Huggins said. “That’s about all I can take away from it.”
At the very least, there wasn’t much disparity in the free-throws. Kansas finished 14-of-18, while West Virginia was 10-of-15.
What struggles?
Kansas played without center Udoka Azubuike and guards Lagerald Vick and Marcus Garrett, but coach Bill Self said some tough adjustments are paying off. The Jayhawks started four freshmen and junior forward Dedric Lawson on Saturday.
“I think guys are starting to come into their own,” Self said. “When you listen to our introductions and its freshmen, freshmen, freshmen, freshmen, you would think it would take some time to come into their own. I think they’re doing fine.
“If you’re not having fun; why would you spend so much time at your craft if you’re not enjoying it? What a better way to showcase your craft than playing in front of 16,000 people with great energy in the building. You get so spoiled playing here.”
The Jayhawks, gunning for its 15th consecutive Big 12 title, are a half-game back of K-State in the league standings.
Culver on the boards
Derek Culver’s 12 rebounds marked his seventh game with at least 10 rebounds and fourth in a row. He had trouble scoring in the paint, though, missing 8-of-10 shots.
“We probably put too much pressure on Derek, to be honest,” Huggins said. “We threw him the ball a lot and he got double-teamed today. It’s hard, because he doesn’t know everything. He missed the whole first semester. He’s catching up, but he’s not all the way caught up yet.”
Another sellout
Kansas played in front of its 289th consecutive sellout crowd, a streak that dates back to the 2001-02 season. … West Virginia’s 24 turnovers marked the seventh time this season the Mountaineers have had at least 20 in a game. WVU had no games last season with 20 or more. … Kansas shot 52.8 percent (28-of-53) from the field, making it the seventh time a team has shot 50 percent or better from the field against the Mountaineers this season.