Kansas Jayhawks Win Gold at World University Games

By Matt Ostrowski | Jul 13, 2015

Watching the Kansas Jayhawks take on Germany down the stretch of Monday’s game, there was only one word to describe the body language and play of the Jayhawks — exhausted.

But the Jayhawks still managed to pull off a 84-77 victory, earning themselves a gold medal at this year’s World University Games, and the United States’ first gold in basketball since 2005.

Just getting to the second overtime proved difficult for the Jayhawks. They found themselves down 4 late in the fourth quarter, and the first overtime. Key plays from Perry Ellis and Frank Mason extended the game, with Mason tying the game in both the fourth quarter and overtime. Mason also had a huge steal on Germany’s last possession in the fourth quarter, preventing them from taking the lead.

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With both teams exhausted and settling for outside shots, the second overtime found the two teams combining for just 6 points in the first four minutes, allowing Germany to take a 77-75 lead. Then, the Kansas backcourt took over. A Wayne Selden three-pointer was followed up by a Nic Moore steal and free throws, putting the United States up 80-77.

A couple of defensive stops and free throws from Mason and Selden, respectively, put the game away. Selden finished with a team high 22 points and 9 rebounds, but on just 6 of 28 from the floor. Mason put in 16 to go with 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Ellis managed a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Moore chipped in 7 points.

The trip can be looked at as a successful one, but for more reasons than just winning the gold. For starters, Wayne Selden looks to finally becoming the player many thought he would be when he came to KU in 2013. Also, Frank Mason has further solidified himself as a fantastic point for the Jayhawks.

Perhaps most importantly, Bill Self was able to get big minutes out of two of his three freshman-to-be. LaGerald Vick hit some big shots in the tournament, and Carlton Bragg came up even bigger with his energy off the bench, scoring 8 points in Monday’s gold medal game. The third freshman, Cheick Diallo, couldn’t compete with the team because he isn’t a United States citizen.

Monday’s gold medal game came after a victory in the quarterfinals over Lithuania, and a win in the semifinals over Russia. As with the rest of the tournament, the Jayhawks were led by the trio of Selden, Ellis, and Mason.

The Jayhawks are to return home on Wednesday and will be honored at the University of Kansas’ Hoglund Ballpark. Then, they will have all summer to rest from the exhaustion of the past week. They certainly earned it.

Next: Pan-American Games Final Roster

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