KU basketball defeats UNCW, but freshman’s injury looms: Four takeaways & reaction

For a while, the Kansas Jayhawks struggled to gain separation against UNC Wilmington.

Then, in the blink of an eye, the lead was up to 20.

KU certainly didn’t play anywhere near its “A” game, but did enough to walk out with a decisive victory Tuesday at Allen Fieldhouse. Perhaps that’s the sign of a good team — one that can win easily even without playing well in most facets.

No. 1 KU (5-0) defeated UNCW 84-66. Dajuan Harris scored a team-high 17 points, and Hunter Dickinson added 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Kansas led just 43-38 at halftime after shooting 5-for-17 (29%) on 3-pointers through 20 minutes. KU outscored UNCW 41-28 in the second half.

The game also marked win No. 800 for coach Bill Self.

Up next: The Jayhawks play Duke on Tuesday in the 2024 Las Vegas Showdown.

Until then, here are four takeaways from Tuesday night’s game in Lawrence

KU freshman Flory Bidunga exits with injury

Injury concerns loom as talented freshman and backup big man Flory Bidunga injured his ankle midway through the first half. Bidunga hopped over to the bench and eventually went to the locker room.

Bidunga never returned to the game but returned to the bench late in the second half. He was not with the Jayhawks as the second half began.

What could it mean?

Any missed time for Bidunga could leave the Jayhawks with concerns. Bidunga is Dickinson’s backup and one of the best defenders on this KU squad. He also provides KU with an archetype it has lacked for years: a rim-running big man who can defend the rim.

Luckily for Kansas fans, Self downplayed the severity of the injury.

“I don’t think he should have played, but in a big game or maybe you didn’t have another game coming up immediately after, he could have been back out there probably,” Self said. “He will be off a day or two, but hopefully be practicing by Friday.”

Dajuan Harris stepped up

It seems that whenever KU struggles on offense, Dajuan Harris puts on his Superman cape and becomes an entirely different player. It’s like he senses Kansas needs something more from him and he’s happy to oblige.

Harris, usually known for his defensive prowess (and passing), became KU’s most reliable offensive player vs. the Seahawks. The point guard was aggressive and played with pace. He wasn’t afraid to shoot and led multiple KU runs to finally put UNCW away.

It was the most aggressive Harris has played all season, and the Jayhawks certainly needed it. He finished with 17 points, six assists and three rebounds. He even added two steals in 30 minutes.

“Dajuan is turning it up, he’s turning it up,” Self said. “He looks much more active defensively than he was last year. ... I think lesser minutes has probably helped.”

KU’s 3-point shooting has been inconsistent

Before playing the Seahawks, Kansas ranked No. 73 nationally in 3-point percentage (37.5%). Although that percentage appeared high, KU had shot above 30% just once in its last three games — against Oakland.

Self has previously stated he hopes his team will be around the 40% mark from 3-point range — something KU hasn’t done since the 2017-18 season.

Well, the Jayhawks didn’t come close on Tuesday.

Kansas shot just 6-for-25 (24%) from deep. KU transfers Zeke Mayo, David Coit and Rylan Griffen — vaunted for their shooting ability — combined to shoot 3-for-11 (27.3%) on 3-pointers.

KU’s defense struggles early

Heading into Tuesday’s game, UNC Wilmington ranked No. 1 in the nation in free-throw rate. If the Jayhawks’ opponent had an offensive strength, it was drawing fouls.

That much was evident early. The Seahawks scored 16 points in the paint and shot 9-for-14 on first-half free throws. By comparison, KU went 4-for-8 in that time.

In addition to KU’s fouling issues, the Jayhawks were abysmal on the boards. KU allowed nine offensive rebounds, which the Seahawks turned into 14 second-chance points, in the first half alone.

It’s a big reason why the first half was so close.

“We just didn’t rebound the ball a lick in the first half,” Self said.