Notebook

Kansas University freshman Julian Wright was knocked in the ribs and was forced to leave the game for a spell the second half.

“I got hit on a box-out. I’m OK. I’m good to go,” said Wright, who learned after the game he did not suffer a cracked rib, just a bruise.

Jeff Hawkins, who hit two consecutive three-pointers to boost a 23-19 lead to 29-19, scored six points in 12 minutes. He has been slowed of late by the bad back that has plagued him his entire career.

¢ Three Jayhawks on team: The Big 12 Conference announced its five-man 10th-year-anniversary men’s basketball team Saturday. KU’s Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich and Raef LaFrentz were joined by ISU’s Marcus Fizer and Texas’ T.J. Ford on the squad.

“It was the same one I picked, so I thought it was right on the money,” KU coach Bill Self said with a smile. “You could make a case for Paul (Pierce), Drew (Gooden) and (Jamaal) Tinsley and (Chauncey) Billups. To get three of the five shows how dominant Kansas has been in the league.”

A media panel voted, along with fans on the Internet.

¢ Cancer awareness: Self wore Adidas sneakers Saturday as part of the Coaches Vs. Cancer efforts to bring awareness to cancer research. “I thought they went with the suit,” Self quipped of his black-and-white-striped shoes.

¢ More on Quin: Self was asked about Missouri coach Quin Snyder reportedly learning he’d lost his job from the Mizzou color radio announcer.

“Hopefully, if it ever plays out that way, I hope Lew (Perkins, AD) tells me and not Bob (Davis, announcer),” Self quipped of his own firing.

¢ Sutton released: Self on Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton, his former boss, who was released from a Stillwater hospital Saturday after suffering minor injuries in a car crash Friday. KU will travel Monday to OSU.

“Any car accident would warrant soreness. With his condition – he’s struggled with his back – I hope he’s not affected himself negatively. He’s had a rough go physically the last couple of years,” Self said.

¢ Beene applauded: KU honored Doug Beene on Saturday for his having worked over 600 games as an official scorer at KU games.

¢ Faces in crowd: Travis Releford, a sophomore guard from Kansas City, Mo., attended on an unofficial recruiting visit. He sat behind KU’s bench. Ex-Jayhawks Jeff Boschee, Sean Pearson and Bud Stallworth were introduced to the crowd.

¢ Stats, facts: KU is 8-2 in the league for the third straight year under Self and sixth straight season overall. : ISU’s 33.3 free-throw percentage was lowest by a foe in a conference game since Kansas State hit 25 percent on Feb. 12, 1994.