Jayhawks Stumble Against BYU, 70-67, in WBIT Semifinal Drama
WICHITA — BYU edged Kansas 70-67 in the WBIT semifinals Monday night at Charles Koch Arena. The Cougars advanced to the tournament final after a late scoring burst.
Fourth-quarter surge decides tight game
Kansas led for much of the contest. Three long-range makes by BYU in the middle of the fourth flipped the outcome.
Freshman guard Olivia Hamlin hit the first 3-pointer with about 5:30 left. Freshman guard Sydney Benally followed with back-to-back triples. Benally’s second gave BYU a 63-56 cushion late.
Late controversy and final possession
Kansas raced back and cut the deficit to one in the final minute. Key free throws and a 3-pointer tightened the game to 70-67 and set up a chaotic finish.
Kansas coach Brandon Schneider challenged a foul call on an inbounds play. Officials overturned the call and awarded the ball to Kansas under the basket. The Jayhawks expected a sideline inbound instead, creating confusion during the timeout.
The Jayhawks could not find a clear shot on the ensuing play. A pass into Lilly Meister resulted in contact and the ball went out of bounds. BYU inbounded quickly and ran out the clock.
Game flow and key stretches
The teams traded blows early. The first quarter ended tied at 15.
Kansas led 31-28 at halftime. The Jayhawks carried a 51-46 edge into the fourth quarter.
BYU opened the final period with an 8-0 run. Kansas answered, but the Cougars’ late perimeter shooting proved decisive.
Standout performances and adjustments
Freshman Jaliya Davis finished with 18 points for Kansas. BYU prioritized crowding her in the second half and limited her to eight second-half points.
Other contributors for Kansas included S’Mya Nichols, Lilly Meister, Brittany Harshaw, Laia Conesa, Libby Fandel and Regan Williams. Delaney Gibb, Olivia Hamlin and Lara Rohkohl provided key production for BYU.
The loss ends Kansas’ season at 22-14. The roster will lose four graduates and may see moves in the transfer portal. Filmogaz.com will monitor offseason developments closely.
The result captures the headline Jayhawks Stumble Against BYU, 70-67, in WBIT Semifinal Drama as BYU’s timely shooting proved decisive.
