Jayhawks ride hot performances from Agbaji and Harris to 72-68 win over Horned Frogs

For what seemed like the 74th game this season, the Kansas Jayhawks got off to a hot start in the first half of the game against TCU Horned Frogs in Allen Fieldhouse on Thursday night. For the 73rd time, they gave that lead up before halftime.

As is usually the case, Ochai Agbaji was the leading scorer for the Jayhawks, but it was the relative offensive explosion by Dajuan Harris that allowed Kansas to weather the storm while TCU was hot and the rest of the bench couldn't get going.

Despite a second straight challenge from the Horned Frogs, the Jayhawks were able to get make a late push to build up a lead in the 4th quarter, and then held on to get the close win.

The Jayhawks were efficient early, with only 2 missed shots prior to the under-12 timeout. They built up a large lead thanks to the combined efforts of five different scorers.

But after going up 20-8, they spent the rest of the half slowly letting TCU chip away at the lead. With 1:20 remaining in the half, Mike Miles made a three-pointer to tie the game, and the teams went into the break knotted at 35.

After halftime, the teams traded a few buckets in the first few minutes before TCU started to hit some shots. Tied at 39 just three minutes into the half, the Horned Frogs went on a quick 8-2 run in just a minute and a half to take a lead. It was starting to look a bit grim for the Jayhawks.

But the fourth foul on Mike Miles turned the tide, as the Jayhawks clawed back and took the lead for good on an Agbaji free throw with 7:04 left in the game.

TCU made it interesting at the end of the game, taking advantage of a questionable foul call against KJ Adams on a Chuck O'Bannon three-point attempt. Kansas wasn't able to do anything on the ensuing possession, but a Dajuan Harris block on the other end of the court ended the threat and sealed the victory.

Dajuan Harris had arguably his best game of the season, going 4-8 from two and making his only three-point attempt. He also had one offensive rebound, three assists, two steals and that huge block to seal the game.

Ochai Agbaji led all scorers with 22 points on 8-19 shooting from the field. He was also a perfect 4-4 from the line. He was all over the place but was the only consistent threat all night.

The line was a bit misleading for Jalen Wilson, as he only was credited with 4 shot attempts. However, he went 5-7 from the line, and he was the only double-digit rebounder for the Jayhawks. He also had 3 assists and a block, ending with an all-around great performance on the night.

Christian Braun finished 4-4 from the field with 6 rebounds. His overall lack of production was a little disappointing given how much the team struggled elsewhere.

David McCormack finished with 10 points on 2-7 shooting. He was 6-6 from the line, but only had 4 rebounds. He was pushed around by Eddie Lampkin all night long, and didn't seem to be as physical as we have come to expect.

Ultimately, the Jayhawks come through with a big win in a must-win situation. The main contributors did just enough, but tonight's performance made a great case for tightening up the rotation even further.

Up Next:

The Jayhawks finish the season at home against the Texas Longhorns. A win clinches the top overall seed in the Big 12 tournament, regardless of the outcome of Baylor's final game.

Mitch Lightfoot, Jalen Coleman-Lands, Remy Martin and Chris Teahan all have exhausted all of their eligibility and will be appearing at home for the final time. They will all give Senior Night speeches. Additionally, it is highly likely that Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack will be playing in their final home games and will give Senior Night speeches as well. The game tips at 3 pm CST on ESPN.