Orange Squeeze Out Win Over KU, 89-81

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Despite leading by as many as 13 points in the second half, No. 24 Kansas lost its first game of the season, 89-81, in overtime at the hands of Syracuse in the CBE Classic Championship game. The loss dropped KU to 3-1 on the season, while Syracuse remained undefeated at 5-0.

The Orangemen trailed Kansas 51-38 with 15:18 left to play in the second half, but stormed back on a 19-5 behind the scoring of Jonny Flynn and Paul Harris. The hot shooting duo combined for 33 second half points as Syracuse tied the game with just over six seconds to play on a three-point basket by Flynn to send the game to overtime.

Syracuse started the scoring in the extra period with a basket and a free throw by Arinze Onuaku, but Kansas got a basket by freshman Marcus Morris and two free throws by sophomore Cole Aldrich to take a 76-75 lead with 3:08 left in overtime.

SU responded with a bucket by Harris and never looked back as the Orangemen collected the 89-81 win and the tournament title.

Junior Sherron Collins, who was named to the CBE Classic All-Tournament Team, led four Jayhawks in double-figures with 21 points. Sophomore Cole Aldrich recorded his first double-double of the season with 15 points and a career-best 16 rebounds.

Freshman Marcus Morris also collected a double-double for the Jayhawks with 11 points and a career best 11 rebounds. Morris was also dished a game-high six assists. Fellow freshman Tyshawn Taylor turned in a career best performance with 17 points.
 
KU made 31-of-74 shots from the field, good for 41.9 percent, but made just 11-of-20 foul shots, while Syracuse cashed in on 25-of-37 free throws. The Orangemen also made 48.3 percent of their field goals, knocking down 28-of-58 shots. Kansas' three previous opponents this season had not shot over 30 percent from the floor.

Flynn, who was named tourney MVP, led all scorers with 25 points. Eric Devendorf added 20 points for the Orange, while Harris finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds and Arinze also had a double-double with 19 points and 12 boards.

The Jayhawks will return to action on Friday, Nov. 28, when they play host to Coppin State. Game time is slated for 7 p.m., in Allen Fieldhouse.

Story courtesy:  KUAC