KANSAS CITY, MO – Through 20 minutes, it was looking like a nightmare scenario for Kansas fans: their beloved Jayhawks were about to be eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by their former head coach.
But the remaining 20 minutes reminded everyone why Kansas was given the #1-seed in the South Regional.
Trailing by nine points after a dismal first half, Kansas came out of the locker room a completely different team, and took down Roy Williams’ 8th-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels by a 70-58 final to advance to the Sweet Sixteen, one season after falling to Kentucky in the National Championship game. Jeff Withey played an absolutely dominant second half, finishing with 16 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots overall, with Travis Releford adding 22 points and eight boards. P.J. Hairston paced the Tar Heels with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Kansas will now face 4th-seeded Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen on Friday in Texas.
Kevin Calabro and Will Perdue called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Brice Johnson slams it home as UNC starts off hot)
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(Strickland cleans up the offensive glass as Heels grab 30-19 lead)
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(Jayhawks on comeback trail, as Withey delivers huge dunk)
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(Releford with a three-point play as Kansas is rolling)
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(Withey strikes again, as lead grows to 45-38)
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(Releford brings the house down with tough bucket, plus the foul)
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(Young with a high lay-in, as Kansas dominates the second half)
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(Postgame interview with Kansas’ Kevin Young)
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(Kansas City wrap-up with Kevin Calabro and Will Perdue)
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For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.