The Kansas Jayhawks are moving onto the Round of 32 after a 96-68 victory over Howard Thursday in Des Moines.
The first 14 minutes of the game went back and forth before Kansas closed the first half with a 50-37 lead.
All five Kansas starters scored in double figures. Jalen Wilson led the way with 20 points. Gradey Dick recorded his first career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
KJ Adams added 13 points. He said playing in the Big 12 helped the Jayhawks prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
Dajuan Harris had 11 points and Kevin McCullar finished with 10.
Kansas assistant coach Norm Roberts said Howard was a good opening-round test.
Roberts gave another update on Coach Bill Self and says he’s still ‘day to day’ and is doing well.
The Jayhawks will play Arkansas at 4:15 p.m. Saturday in Des Moines.
Number 1 seeds Alabama and Houston also advanced.
Alabama defeated Texas A&M Corpus Christi 96-59.
Houston outscored Northern Kentucky 63-52.
There were a couple of upsets.
#2 seed Arizona was defeated by Princeton 59-55.
#4 seed Virginia was defeated by Furman 68-67.
#7 seed Texas A&M was defeated by Penn State 76-59.
From the Big-12, #2 seed Texas defeated Colgate 81-61.
Maryland outscored West Virginia 67-65.
