'We are a different team'

Coaches have dressed more casually since COVID, but if you see most wearing sneakers on the sideline it’s a good thing. It’s Coaches vs. Cancer week, time to raise awareness and money to fight cancer.

“Coaches vs. Cancer unites thousands of coaches and the greater basketball community in support of a common objective – ending cancer,” NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson said in a release. “Suits And Sneakers Week showcases the best of our sport and of coaches’ commitment to using their platforms for good.”

Learn more about the program — now in its 30th season — here. And don’t forget to contribute. More importantly, if you’re of a certain age or have genetic indicators, don’t put off a health screening.

On to Monday’s news.

1. First-half Furphy? Not anymore

Kansas freshman Johnny Furphy’s started the last four games for Kansas because coach Bill Self hoped the 6-9 wing could provide a spark the Jayhawks were missing.

The Australia native did just that in the first half of Kansas’ last two games, scoring 15 points and 9 points. The second half? Not so much … until Monday.

Furphy scored a career-high 23 points, including a key 3-pointer with 2:07 remaining that helped No. 7 Kansas hold off Cincinnati 74-69. Best of all for him? His parents were on hand to watch it.

“This was their first home game,” Furphy said, “so I was happy they could experience that. I've been telling them a lot about Allen Fieldhouse. I'm happy they got to see a win.”

Kansas (16-3, 4-2 in Big 12) needed that spark, too.

Hunter Dickinson (10 points, 6 boards) spent most of the second half in foul trouble. Kevin McCullar scored 20, but 8 of those came at the free-throw line as he was just 5-of-17 from the floor (he’ll likely get a few days rest for a bum knee). Dajuan Harris (8 points, 8 assists, 5 turnovers) was more aggressive in looking for his shot, but missed several layups and seemed bothered by Cincy’s size.

Cue Furphy, who hit 7-of-8, grabbed 11 rebounds, including three offensive rebounds — half of Kansas’ total; the Bearcats controlled the boards all night — and some ever-improving defense. Cincinnati (13-6, 2-4) made just 39.3% of its shots, and was a miserable 3-of-18 from deep.

“We were probably lucky on some of them, but we did a decent job defensively, and that was a big part of the game,” Self said.

Was part of it playing in Allen Fieldhouse for the first time since 1967? Maybe. The Bearcats were cold early (they trailed 19-7 after seven minutes), but settled in. They might just be a little worn down. They’ve played sixth straight games against a ranked team, and half of those have been on the road.

Kansas will close its Big 12 schedule with something similar. Of its remaining 12 games, 8 are against teams ranked 31 or higher at kenpom. They’ll need Furphy to keep scoring to stay in contention.

2. RJ Davis continues All-America push + more results

For a one half, it looked like Wake Forest would make North Carolina work for an ACC win for once.

RJ Davis said no.

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