The Jayhawks seized the lead for good midway through the first half before withstanding every Wildcats challenge in this tense marquee matchup of college basketball blue bloods. Gradey Dick and Wilson provided two of their biggest shots with consecutive 3-pointers. Kansas avoided its first four-game losing streak under coach Bill Self.
Oscar Tshiebwe had 18 points and nine rebounds for Kentucky.
BIG PICTURE
Kansas: The Jayhawks were outshot by Kentucky much of the night but consistently made crucial baskets and big defensive plays to keep an edge. It was just what they needed after their slide
amid a seven-game Big 12 gauntlet featuring five ranked teams.
Kentucky:
Poor first-half free-throw shooting dug another hole that the Wildcats managed to overcome. They got close, but couldn't get even, and finishing 16 of 23 from the line ultimately hurt them even with making
all 12 attempts after halftime.
UP NEXT
Kansas hosts No. 5 Kansas State on Tuesday, seeking to avenge its 83-82 overtime loss on Jan. 17.
Kentucky visits Mississippi on Tuesday night in search of its fifth consecutive SEC win. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. and the game can be seen on ESPN.