Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Sets Program Low in 1st Half vs. TCU

Somewhere, James Naismith is regrettably shaking his head. This is not what he had in mind for the fabled legacy of Kansas basketball.

In what may as well be the nadir of the program’s storied history, the Jayhawks managed just 13 points on 3-of-22 shooting from the floor (14-percent) in the first half of Wednesday night’s game versus TCU. Bill Self’s team slumbered out of the gates, limited to two points through the first 14 minutes of action. By the under-four media timeout, Kansas had more turnovers (eight) than points (six).

The Horned Frogs know a thing or two about offensive incompetence themselves. The Big 12 newcomer owns the eighth least efficient offense in the nation, mid-majors included. Paltry shooting halves aren’t foreign to this group. TCU would be hard-pressed to win a low-major conference. But to a top-five team, a top-five program all-time? This ignominy is uncharted territory.

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The last time Kansas made three field goals or fewer in a half while attempting 20 or more shots? Get out your history books. It’s never happened before in the shot clock era. Until Wednesday, that is, when the fifth-ranked Jayhawks played the single worst opponent they’ll play all year.

Self’s halftime message to his team: come out for the second half and you’ve already exceeded your play in the first. Just don’t disgrace Dr. Naismith’s name any further.