3 February 2024
LAWRENCE (KSNT) – KU men’s basketball was listed as a home underdog on the books for just the second time in since Bill Self era entering Saturday’s meeting with fourth-ranked Houston.
The Jayhawks apparently took it personally. Kansas stomped the Cougars in Allen Fieldhouse to improve to 12-0 at home on the season. Kansas hasn’t lost a home men’s basketball game since Jan. 21, 2023.
Bill Self’s team beat Houston 78-65 on Saturday.
KU got another fast start on its home court, opening the game with an 11-4 lead.
The two teams traded baskets until the Jayhawk defense stifled Houston. The Cougars went 10-of-32 from the field in the first half, while KU made 17 of its 25 shots. Kansas led, 43-28, at halftime.
KU went on another 7-0 run in the second half that spanned almost two minutes to take a 20-point lead, 58-38, with 11:58 left in the game.
Houston sparked a 10-2 run after a timeout, cutting Kansas’ lead to 12 with 9:07 left. The Cougars never cut the deficit to single digits in the second half.
Kevin McCullar Jr. pitched in with 17 points and seven rebounds in his return to the court after missing Tuesday’s game with a knee injury.
Hunter Dickinson led the home team in scoring with 20 points. Dickinson and freshman Johnny Furphy each grabbed eight rebounds. Furphy scored 17, too.
Kansas improves to 17-4 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play. The ‘Hawks handed UH just its third loss of the season.