Mason and Azubuike combined for 21 points during the run that saw a two-point edge balloon into a 26-point lead as Kansas doubled up – and then some – Asheville with its inside-out game at the break, 47-21. Kansas led by two points (14-12) just before the minutes clicked into single digits then provided a furious finish, including three threes from Mason, setting a new career-high with five from long range, on five attempts, and a quartet of slams for KU’s freshman big man.
The post looks kept coming in the second half with Azubuike reaching double figures for the first time in his career on an efficient 8-of-9 effort – seven of them dunks – from the field, for 17 points. Mason – a Wooden, Olson, Cousy and Naismith Trophy award watch list member – led Kansas in scoring for the fifth time in six games with a game-high 21, also his fourth 20+ scoring game already this season. Josh Jackson chipped in 14 and Lagerald Vick, who made his first-career start, added 15 and narrowly missed a double-double with a game-high nine rebounds – both career-bests.
The Bulldogs mustered what response they could to open the second half, but an 8-of-10 start from the field pushed Kansas’ lead past 30 and to as many as 42 – its largest of the season at the 7:45 mark – before the final whistle.
Asheville’s Kevin Vanatta and Ahmad Thomas both scored 12 points to lead the opposition, which was held to its second-lowest point total of the season.
UNC-Asheville’s Rawkwon Miller hit a jumper in the paint at the 11:14 mark of the first half to cut Kansas’ lead to two points at 14-12, then the Bulldogs had a chance to tie in the next couple of possessions, but three Kansas threes, including two from Mason, pushed the KU lead into double figures.
That’s when the Jayhawks turned inside to Azubuike for even more punishment. The Delta, Nigeria native logged four dunks in the final 7:16 of the first half, part of seven dunks and 8-of-the-last-10 buckets in the paint for KU.
Jackson, who joined Mason and Azubuike in double figures during the game’s first 20 minutes, notched three blocks, a steal, three assists and an offensive rebound before putting in his first bucket with 6:34 to play before halftime and turned in a career-best seven assists for the game.
Devonte’ Graham didn’t reach double figures for the first time this season, but played an important supporting role, highlighted by a poke away steal and points the other way to help cap the first half run in the waning minutes. Bulldog guard Macio Teague was dribbling at the top of key when Graham tipped the ball away, dove on the ground to corral it and threw it forward to Vick. Vick continued the play with a lateral to Jackson who finished the fastbreak with authority. Graham didn’t get the assist on the play, but he did on 11 others for a new career best.
Kansas outscored Asheville, 46-30, in the paint and held a commanding, 49-23, edge on the glass, to win its fourth game in eight days.
The Jayhawks continue a five-game Allen Fieldhouse home stand, when they welcome Long Beach State to Lawrence on Tuesday, Nov. 29, a 7 p.m. tip on the Jayhawk Television Network/ESPN3.