The Jayhawks have had difficulty putting together a complete performance this year, but came into tonight's matchup with #5 Tennessee with a 4-0 record anyway. They opted to keep that going with a shaky winning performance at the NIT season tip off championship.
After a quick start for the Jayhawks, Kansas and Tennessee kept things close through the first half. The Volunteers were able to finish strong, heading to the locker room up 33-31.
While Kansas generally played good defense, they repeatedly gave the ball up on the other end. Tennessee used those turnovers to extend their lead after halftime, and it briefly looked like they might be able to run away with it.