Bill Self considers what led to improved play vs. Oklahoma

Bill Self was elated with the play of his Kansas squad over the weekend, as they defeated No. 25 Oklahoma on the road by a score of 67-57.

The Jayhawks used a barrage right before halftime to give themselves a lead, and they never looked back during a strong second half. Speaking with the media afterwards, Self elaborated on what led to Kansas’ improved play as the game went on against the Sooners.

“I don’t know if we turned it up, I think we were just pretty sound defensively,” Self explained. “To me it looked like it was two tired teams playing the majority of the game. I think, I know we are, and I’m sure that OU is as well. But I thought that, from an efficiency standpoint, I thought defensively and offensively, we were much better the second half, and they were better the first half.

“The key was, is when we got to 11-5 at halftime. To me, that was the biggest stretch in the game.”

Additionally, Self added some context as to how that run came about, elaborating on why the Jayhawks were able to stifle the Sooners and get their offense going.

“I don’t know, it was an 11-point game with about 2:14 left. So I don’t know what happened, maybe luck? Great coaching? I don’t know what it was. But we got stops, and we were fortunate when we did, and then we made a couple of shots, and of course we shot it miserably in the first half,” Self added. “But the lid kind of came off in the second half.”

Either way, Saturday’s victory was big for Kansas’ confidence and their standing among the rest of the college basketball world. Still, they’ll have a couple more chances still left during the regular season to improve their rankings.

The Jayhawks know they have to continue to defend home court and in the final stretch — steal a road win or two before heading into the conference tournament. 

“We’ve got two more,” Self said of Kansas’ upcoming road schedule. “The biggest thing is we got to focus on getting rested and then holding serve at home. I got a feeling when we go on the road the last two games that we will be a turned up team, especially with who we are playing. But it was good that we got one today. They’ve been really hard to come by for us in league play.”

Looking ahead, Kansas will remain inside Allen Fieldhouse for the rest of February, but start March with a road trip to No. 12 Baylor. They’ll return home for senior day against Kansas State the following game before rounding out the regular season on the road at No. 3 Houston. 

Before the Jayhawks can focus on their upcoming road schedule, they’ll have to defend their home court against Texas this coming Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET live on ESPN. We’ll see if Bill Self has his team ready for the challenge.

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.