Written by Trevon Purdie
The #11 Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 82-67 in a matchup for the Tournament Championship game.
In the first half, The Jayhawks came out as the aggressors as Junior Forward Perry Ellis and Sophomore Guard Frank Mason III led the team to a 10-6 run before a Tennessee timeout. The Volunteers seemed to find their groove soon after as they soon passed Kansas on a Freshman Guard Detrick Mostella four point play.
Kansas wouldn’t be down long as Ellis led the team to a 10 point lead. The score was 40-33 at halftime. Ellis led the Jayhawks with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists at the half.
The second half was controlled mostly by Kansas. Freshman Forward Cliff Alexander, who had 7 points in the first half, played aggressively in the paint. Alexander would score 9 of his 16 points in the half.
Tennessee’s backcourt duo of Josh Richardson and Kevin Punter finished on a few fast breaks to keep the team in the game. Mostly would also assist by scoring 13 points off the bench.
Ellis, who ended the game with 24 points and 13 rebounds, praised the play of Mason III “He thought he did great tonight, he led the team”. Mason III had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in the game.
Kansas will face the winner of Friday night’s game between Marquette and #20 Michigan State on Sunday for the tournament championship.
In the first half, The Jayhawks came out as the aggressors as Junior Forward Perry Ellis and Sophomore Guard Frank Mason III led the team to a 10-6 run before a Tennessee timeout. The Volunteers seemed to find their groove soon after as they soon passed Kansas on a Freshman Guard Detrick Mostella four point play.
Kansas wouldn’t be down long as Ellis led the team to a 10 point lead. The score was 40-33 at halftime. Ellis led the Jayhawks with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists at the half.
The second half was controlled mostly by Kansas. Freshman Forward Cliff Alexander, who had 7 points in the first half, played aggressively in the paint. Alexander would score 9 of his 16 points in the half.
Tennessee’s backcourt duo of Josh Richardson and Kevin Punter finished on a few fast breaks to keep the team in the game. Mostly would also assist by scoring 13 points off the bench.
Ellis, who ended the game with 24 points and 13 rebounds, praised the play of Mason III “He thought he did great tonight, he led the team”. Mason III had 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in the game.
Kansas will face the winner of Friday night’s game between Marquette and #20 Michigan State on Sunday for the tournament championship.