No. 16 Howard loses to No. 1 Kansas in NCAA tournament

In a riveting contest between two of collegiate basketball’s titans, No. 16 Howard University suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of No. 1 Kansas in the NCAA tournament.

The Bison, making their first-ever appearance in the tourney, came out of the gate swinging, hitting four of their first five shots to gain an early 7-5 lead. However, the Jayhawks responded with aplomb, quickly regaining the advantage with a 9-2 run. The Bison kept the game close, trailing 28-25 at the half, but the second period was a different story.

Kansas’ defense was stifling, limiting Howard to just seven points in the first 10 minutes of the half. The Jayhawks also increased their offensive output, with Devon Dotson recording 11 points and four assists in the period. Kansas ultimately pulled away in the closing minutes to secure a 73-72 victory.

Though the loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Bison, head coach Kenneth Blakeney remained proud of his team’s valiant effort. “I’m just so proud of my guys,” he said. “We battled the best team in the country, and we gave them a run for their money. I couldn’t be more proud of the effort.”

The Jayhawks will now face an even stiffer test in the Elite Eight, facing No. 8 Auburn in the regional final.

In a clash between two of collegiate basketball’s elite, the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks emerged victorious over the No. 16 Howard Bison in the NCAA tournament. Despite the Bison’s enterprising start, with four of their first five shots finding their mark and granting them an early 7-5 lead, the Jayhawks responded with a 9-2 run to retake the advantage. The Bison kept the game close, but an impressive defensive display by Kansas, coupled with 11 points and four assists from Devon Dotson in the second period, enabled them to pull away late and secure a 73-72 win.

Despite the disappointing result, Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney was proud of his team’s efforts. “I’m just so proud of my guys,” he said. “We battled the best team in the country, and we gave them a run for their money. I couldn’t be more proud of the effort.” The Jayhawks will now face No. 8 Auburn in the Elite Eight, in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.