2015 NCAA Tournament: Kansas Blows Out New Mexico State
Big 12 teams were 0-3 going into the second day of the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament. The Kansas Jayhawks were ready to turn that losing trend around as they opened their tournament in Omaha against New Mexico State.
Kansas was making their 26th straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament while the Aggies were making their fourth straight appearance. Kansas received the No. 2 seed while New Mexico received the No. 15 seed in the Midwest Region.
Kansas started the game on fire as they shot out to a 22-12 lead halfway through the first half. The Jayhawks had struggled from the three point line in the Big 12 Tournament but made three of their first four shots from beyond the arc. New Mexico State had no answer for Frank Mason III and the rest of the Jayhawks young guards as they constantly caused havoc in the Aggies unorthodox zone defense. Kansas led at halftime 36-23.
In the second half, New Mexico State tried to close the gap led by D.K. Eldridge and Tshilidzi Nephawa but couldn’t shoot over the Jayhawks lock down defense. With eight minutes left in the game, the Aggies were still trying to hold on as they were only down 12, 55-43.
Unfortunately, for New Mexico State and their fans, Kansas went on an 11-2 run over the next couple minutes to extend their lead to 21. After that run, Kansas never looked back as they won 75-56. In the last couple minutes, Kansas Coach Bill Self emptied his bench to let all his walk-ons get some action in the NCAA Tournament.
The Jayhawks held the Aggies to 35 percent shooting for the game including 5-15 from the three point line. Kansas shot 54 percent including 9-13 from the three point line. This was Kansas’ best three point shooting performance since midway through their conference schedule. Kansas also out rebounded New Mexico State 36-29 in the dominating win.
D.K. Eldridge led the Aggies with 11 points. Remi Barry and Tshilidzi Nephawa contributed with 10 points each for New Mexico State.
Frank Mason III was the leading scorer for Kansas with 17 points and also grabbed nine rebounds. Junior Perry Ellis, who was wearing a large brace on his right knee, had nine points for the Jayhawks. Kansas forward Landon Lucas made his presence felt with seven points and nine rebounds.
Aggies Coach Marvin Menzies said after the game, “We ran into the real Kansas. I knew they wouldn’t take us for granted. Aggies senior Remi Barry reflected on the loss adding, “We just couldn’t catch.”
In his postgame press conference, Kansas Coach Bill Self said, “I’m proud of our team and certainly it was nice to see the lid come off the basket. We did a lot of good things today. Kansas guard Frank Mason III echoed Self’s comments about the offense stating, “It was very nice to see the ball go in the basket, it gave us confidence as the game went on.”
Kansas advances to play the winner of Wichita State and Indiana matchup Sunday in Omaha.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Photo credit: Nati Hamik; Jamari Taylor blocks New Mexico State’s Ian Baker in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.