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Playing each other for the first time since Mizzou left the Big 12 five years ago, it was Kansas who came out on top, winning Sunday’s exhibition fundraiser game 93-87 in front of 19,581 fans at Kansas City’s Sprint Center. The event raised $1.75 million dollars for hurricane relief.
While the game meant nothing to either team’s record, it was a chance for the very new-look Tigers to test the waters. Top national recruit Michael Porter Jr. gave just a glimpse of his potential with a team high 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists in just 23 minutes.
“We knew it was an opportunity,” said Porter Jr.. Kansas being a great team who is always at the top, but at the same time, we felt like we didn’t play as well as we should have. There was a lot more we could have showed, but you’ve just got to keep getting better. You’re not going to perform your best every game.”
Porter’s younger brother Jontay recorded 12 rebounds in the defeat, scoring nine points with three steals.
“Jontay is very good on the offensive end and the defensive end and he showed that a lot today,” said Porter Jr. “He’s just going to continue to get better.“
It was also the debut of new head coach Cuonzo Martin, who saw his team take a 44-40 halftime lead in a game with 14 lead changes.
“Well, I thought the effort was there, but I thought we had a lot of breakdowns defensively,” said Martin. “But that’s fine, because in a game like this, there is a lot to film to look at, which is really great for both teams. A lot of things to learn and also things that we as a staff, when we watch film, say we need to spend more time on this.”
Freshman forward Jeremiah Tilmon threw down a pair of thunderous putback dunks in the 2nd half, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and four rebounds.
Graduate transfer guard Kassius Robertson scored 13 points in a team-high 33 minutes.
“It was good, said Martin. “I think it’s great for both teams to be able to play a team of that caliber on this stage. I don’t think you’ll find a better venue than this one, with the atmosphere and the energy behind it. For young guys that hadn’t played on this stage, I mean Michael Porter, Jr. is a talented guy, but he hasn’t been on a stage like this. Also Blake Harris, Jeremiah Tilmon, the energy and passion, to be able to go through that and feel that, so now as you move forward you understand what that feels like.
Kansas senior Devonte Graham led all players with 25 points. Malik Newman added 17 points in the win.
NOTES
- The Showdown for Relief generated more than $1.75 Million for natural disaster relief.
- The three ball was working for Mizzou, as the Tigers hit 14 of their 32 attempts (44%) from downtown.
- Mizzou pounded the offensive glass, out-rebounding the Jayhawks, 19-10, in that category. This resulted in 26 second-chance points.
- The game was competitive throughout, featuring 14 lead changes.
- The Black & Gold also moved the ball well, tallying 20 total assists to Kansas’ 16.
