Kansas University sophomore power forward C.J. Giles did not start for the second straight game. He missed three of four shots, including two outside bombs, scoring two points with two boards in 10 minutes.

“I’ve got to be real honest. He hasn’t played well enough to deserve to play more minutes than he is,” coach Bill Self said. “He and Sasha (Kaun, six points, four boards) both have to give us more from a production standpoint than they are doing. Tonight, he was not a confident player, trying to make bad plays to get his confidence back, not what guys off the bench should do. He’ll be fine. Our big guys have to play tougher.”

What about Downs, Stewart?: Freshman Micah Downs and sophomore Rodrick Stewart, who, like Giles, hail from the Seattle area, did not play. They were not sick or injured.

“We made a decision we were going to try to play less guys,” Self said. “During the start of the game, you can’t switch saying, ‘Well these guys have played the best, we’re going to play him (Downs) instead.’ Practice has to mean something.”

Self said KU needed the size Downs and Stewart could provide on the perimeter.

Special outfit: KU student assistant Moulaye Niang, above, wore an olive-green khaftan to the game. It’s traditional garb worn by natives of Senegal. The outfit was wide at the bottom and on the sleeves.

“I told Moulaye if he had any Christmas lights you might find a present under that tree,” Self said.

Self said Niang asked if he could wear one of his “outfits from Africa.” Self said it was OK if it was “conservative.”

“He said it’s very conservative,” Self said with a grin. “He looked good. I’m giving him a hard time.”

Niang explained: “It’s like here when people wear a suit. It’s the dress young people wear on special occasions.”

Bahe in town: Former KU player Nick Bahe, who transferred to Creighton, attended and sat behind the KU bench next to KU signee Brady Morningstar. Bahe doesn’t make Creighton road trips, and the team is out of town.

“I decided to come down and spend some time with my friends,” Bahe said. “It’s great to be here. I love Lawrence and KU.”

Moody OK: Christian Moody, who had no points in five minutes, dislocated a finger on his right hand in the second half. Self said he would tape it up and be fine. : Official Ted Hillary was whacked in the shoulder by a New Orleans player on the opening tip and suffered a right triceps injury. He went down to the floor, but was able to continue.