KANSAS CITY, MO – The South Region’s top seed Kansas withstood an impressive challenge from the 16th-seeded Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, earning a 64-57 victory at the Sprint Center to advance to the third round. The Jayhawks trailed by one at the break, but despite regaining the lead, needed to make several pressure-filled foul shots in the waning seconds to finish off the game. Jeff Withey led KU with 17 points on seven of nine shooting, whiile Kevin Young claimed eight rebounds.
Western Kentucky employed a high-energy full court press that stymied the Jayhawks and caused them to turn the ball over 17 times. But despite four starters reaching double figures for the Hilltoppers, Western Kentucky fell short down the stretch in their bid to be the first 16-seed to defeat a one seed. Kansas moves on to face former head coach Roy Williams and the University of North Carolina on Sunday.
Kevin Calabro and Will Perdue called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Ben McLemore dunk makes it 14-12 Kansas)
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(Western Kentucky steal by O’Karo Akamune leads to basket )
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(Teams trade baskets to tie it up at 27)
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(Kevin Young jam puts Kansas on top 36-33)
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(Jeff Withey layup pulls Kansas ahead by ten)
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(Hilltoppers close it to four with 25 seconds left)
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(Final call as Jayhawks hang on to win)
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(Postgame interview with Kansas guard Travis Releford)
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