Withey's Defense Helps Kansas Outlast Temple
By: Justin Sampson
Updated: January 6, 2013
(LAWRENCE, Ks.) Bill Self said he felt, with how strongly his team had played as of late, they were due for a game like this.
A game where they took every punch from their opponents, got a starter in foul trouble, and willed themselves to a win.
That's what happened Sunday as sixth-ranked Kansas outlasted Temple for a 69-62 victory to close out non-conference play.
A sloppy day of offense for the Jayhawks (12-1) was kept at bay by another strong post performance by Jeff Withey. The senior notched 11 rebounds and nine blocks to go along with eight points.
The Owls (10-3) were led by Khalif Wyatt, who led all scorers with 26. His team's lead grew by as many as four in the final 10 minutes of the contest.
Kansas was able to erase it with the team's lone steal of the day which ended in a dunk by Ben McLemore.
Kevin Young, who topped Kansas with 16 points, knocked down four straight free throws to widen the gap to four in favor of the Jayhawks.
Travis Releford had to sit through a late stretch of the second half due to foul trouble, but returned to the game to knock down what proved to be a dagger triple to extend Kansas' lead to seven.
He had 14 points on the day while McLemore added 13.
Kansas opens Big 12 play on Wednesday when they host Iowa State.
