Critics won’t be using the word “soft” to describe Kansas University this basketball season.

The Jayhawks brought their hard hats to Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night, outscrapping and outslugging Michigan State in an 81-74 nonconference basketball victory that at times resembled a rugby match with so many players diving on loose balls and bumping bodies.

“We were in attack mode all night. We were going at their heads like they were going at ours,” said KU junior forward Wayne Simien, who muscled his way for a career-high 28 points in 38 minutes and grabbed eight boards.

“I think it’s close to the toughest I’ve seen (KU) play in terms of diving, being physical, hitting back. When everyone has no fear, it’s amazing what we can do. If we play like that, and I think we will, I don’t think there’s many teams who can beat us.”

“No fear” might wind up KU’s team motto this season, now that the Jayhawks (2-0) are fully buying into new coach Bill Self’s style.

“We played the way I want them to play,” Self said. “Our first-shot defense was good. We went after loose balls. We ran good offense. I thought we played hard, and we played tough.”

Nobody was tougher than Simien, who scored 18 points the first half, including a three-point basket on the first trey attempt of his career.

“He was as good as any player in America tonight,” Self said.

Kansas University freshman J.R. Giddens dunks over Michigan State's Maurice Ager in the first half of the Jayhawks' 81-74 victory. KU held on to beat the Spartans Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Aaron Miles contributed eight of his 17 points and J.R. Giddens six points as the Jayhawks, who were playing without the foul-prone Keith Langford, led 38-31 at the break.

“I was in rhythm early, and the guys gave me good looks,” said Simien, who surpassed his previous scoring high of 23 points against Emporia State in 2002. “My teammates looked to me to score with Keith not in there.”

Langford picked up two quick fouls, sitting the final 17:22 of the first half as Self decided to gamble and make sure Langford would have three fouls to give the second 20 minutes.

“We rolled the dice the second half, too, when Keith picked up his third,” Self said of Langford, who was called for his third foul at 17:50. “The coaches said, ‘Let him play.”’

Oh, Langford did play the second half, erupting for 13 points as the Jayhawks, who saw a 17-point lead (58-41) dip to four (76-72 at 2:27), were able to hang on.

“I was cheering, jumping, celebrating. I had to keep my head in the game,” Langford said. “I (also) was ticked off.”

At both himself and the refs.

Jayhawks slam Spartans Woodling: Simien, Miles key for KU KU ceremony honors Collison Spartans bemoan turnovers WIBW video: Jayhawks impressive in win over Michigan State 6News video: Vitale visits Oread Get the stats: KU-MSU box score Hear Bill: KU-MSU postgame comments See the photos: KU-Michigan State

“I need to play smarter,” said Langford, whose second foul came when boxing out Alan Anderson. “I was frustrated at myself. At the same time, getting a second foul on a box-out … I hate for the ref to take away you playing in a situation like that. I mean, it’s a horrible feeling — the same as last year against Syracuse.”

KU survived on a night off guard Michael Lee (eight points, four assists) actually took over for an exhausted Miles at the point as KU was clinging to a four-point lead late.

On one late possession, Lee spun in the lane and missed a shot, Giddens picking off the ball in midair and slamming it home for a 78-72 advantage at 1:51.

“Aaron was exhausted,” Self said. “I said, ‘Aaron, you can’t come out.’ He said, ‘I’ve got to.’ Aaron played too many minutes tonight. That was my fault.

“I thought he played great.”

Kansas freshman J.R. Giddens dunks over Michigan State's Jason Andreas in first-half action at Allen Fieldhouse. KU defeated the Spartans, 81-74, Tuesday night.

Miles hit two key free throws at :30.4 to up the 78-72 lead to 80-72.

KU hung on for the victory against 1-1 MSU as 16,300 fans rocked the fieldhouse.

“That’s probably as much fun as I’ve had coaching during a game,” Self said. “It’s the best atmosphere I’ve been a part of.”

KU will travel to TCU Monday for a 10 p.m. tipoff.