Kansas guard Gradey Dick wasn’t fazed.
The freshman got the ball behind the arc, didn’t hesitate, and drained the triple. Oklahoma State worshipers inside Gallagher-Iba Arena sat in amazement.
The game’s loudest roar from those wearing black and orange suits turned into a whimper.
Not only did Dick lead Kansas within 10 points after an OSU run put the Cowboys within striking distance, but the shot gave him a season-high 26 points with 6:05 left in the game.
The #5 Kansas men’s basketball team beat Oklahoma State 87-76 Tuesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Dick scored 26 points while Kevin McCullar and KJ Adams each added 15 for the Jayhawks, who completed a season swept by Oklahoma State. On New Year’s Eve, KU defeated OSU 69-67 at Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas (21-5, 9-4) went on a five-game hitting streak against Oklahoma State and now ranks first among the Big 12.
Kalib Boone had 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting for the Cowboys (16-10, 7-6 Big 12), who had their five-game hitting streak snapped by KU.
The first half was quite a back-and-forth affair, with KU only taking a narrow lead until halftime after Dick ran out three seconds before the halftime buzzer; the Jayhawks led 39-37 at the half.
From there, the Jayhawks went on a 19-10 run to take an 11-point lead (58-47) with about 15 minutes left in the game.
The Cowboys never got closer than five after that point.
Kansas will return home to Lawrence to face Baylor on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. Baylor and Texas are the other two teams tied for first in the conference.
Here are three takeaways from Tuesday’s match…
KU resists hot start from OSU’s Bryce Thompson, Kalib Boone
Former Kansas guard Bryce Thompson hit 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting the two teams last played.
This time, Thompson was aided by Boone.
The duo combined for 30 of OSU’s 37 halftime points. Thompson had 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while Boone added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting.
Kansas forward KJ Adams fought back to prevent Boone from scoring at the post. But it was different with Thompson, as KU played tight defense at the transfer guard and even got into his airspace but hit multiple contested shots.
However, the Jayhawks were able to keep the rest of the Oklahoma State lineup in check.
Not only did Kansas keep pace with the two, but KU had a two-point lead (39-37) at halftime.
KU’s Gradey Dick catches fire in the second half
Dick scored nine points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor in 18 minutes of the first half.
It took him less than five minutes in the second half to surpass his first half point total.
In fact, Dick scored 12 of KU’s 19 points going into the second half, which put Kansas within 11 points on the Cowboys.
Dick finished with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor in the second half alone. His flurry of goals was instrumental in KU gaining control of the game.
Kevin McCullar’s offensive streak continues
KU’s McCullar has struggled with his offensive consistency all season, but seems to have found his groove as of late.
McCullar scored double-digit points for his third straight game.
The guard scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor. He also posted eight assists in 36 minutes. McCullar didn’t hit a single three, but relied on his driving ability and midrange ability to score.
McCullar appeared to twist an ankle late in the game when he inadvertently stepped on another player’s shoe. Joseph Yesufu closed the race for him.
