The Kansas Jayhawks opened their 2024-25 college basketball campaign with a bang, demolishing the Lindenwood Lions, 56-43, on Wednesday at the Allen Fieldhouse. S'Mya Nichols tallied 20 points, one rebound, five assists, and one block to lead Kansas, which limited Lindenwood to 11 points in the first two quarters to set the tone of the clash.
Regan Williams added 11 points, on 5-of-8 shooting, five rebounds, and one assist for the Jayhawks, who shot 43.1% from the field. Brittany Harshaw contributed nine points and nine rebounds for the Brandon Schneider-coached squad.
Kansas played without Wyvette Mayberry, but it didn't matter as the Jayhawks used their defense to take a commanding first-half advantage.
Lindenwood's first-half production tied for the third-fewest points allowed in the first 20 minutes of the game in Kansas history.
Ellie Brueggeman led Lindenwood's offense with 12 points, but shot 3-of-17 from the field, including 1-of-14 from the 3-point line. Brooke Coffey added 10, on 5-of-7 shooting.
Kansas vs Lindenwood box score
Kansas Jayhawks
Lindenwood Lions
Kansas vs Lindenwood: Game Summary
Kansas took more than three minutes to score its first two points on a S'Mya Nichols layup.
From there, their offense clicked with Sania Copeland burying a pull-up 3-pointer to give the Jayhawks a 5-2 lead. Brittany Harshaw sank another triple to extend the lead to 8-2 and end the period with an 11-5 edge.
Kansas sustained their defensive intensity, holding Lindenwood scoreless in six minutes while scoring 15 straight points, en route to a 29-11 lead at the half.
The Jayhawks couldn't maintain their offensive attack, coughing up turnovers which allowed the Lions a chance to pull closer. An 8-0 Lindenwood run reduced the deficit to 12, 50-38.
However, Regan Williams made a twinner that gave Kansas a 52-38 edge, with 2:41 left. Elle Evans and Williams dropped two more field goals, handing the Jayhawks a 56-38 advantage.
The Jayhawks performed well on defense, limiting the Lions to 27.1% from the field, including 4.2% (1-of-24) from 3-pointers.
Kansas edged Lindenwood in rebounding (38-37) and dominated the assists (10-3) and blocks (4-1) department. However, they committed 18 turnovers, giving Lindenwood more possessions.
The Jayhawks improved to 46-11 all-time in season openers and 51-6 in home openers. Coach Brandon Schneider improved to 9-1 in season openers, including 8-0 in their last eight games.
Kansas next faces Sam Houston State at home on Monday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ will cover the Jayhawks-Bearkats clash. Lindenwood, meanwhile, will host Bradley on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Hyland Arena.
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