Jackson plays big for Kansas

Self called on 'bigger bodies' against A&M

College Station, Texas ? Darnell Jackson’s big, bruising body came in handy Wednesday against Texas A&M.

Kansas University’s 6-foot-8, 250-pound sophomore forward scored 11 of his 12 points in the first half and had three rebounds, helping KU stay close to the Aggies, who led by two at the break.

“It was physical down there. We were bouncing around like ping-pong balls,” joked Jackson, who finished with nine rebounds.

He helped hold Joseph Jones to 15 points off 2-of-7 shooting. Jones hit 11 of 12 free throws before KU rendered him helpless late by turning to a 3-2 zone.

“The zone was big,” said Jackson, who logged a career-high 26 minutes. “We just had to remember our responsibilities on the court since we don’t play it much. It was good enough for us to get rebounds.”

The Jayhawks started Julian Wright at the power-forward spot in place of Christian Moody, who has been suffering from the flu bug. Wright played six minutes the first half and didn’t score. He did not play the second. Moody played two minutes the first half, two the second and didn’t score.

“Their kicked our butts on the boards the first half, but I thought tonight’s game was a game of loose balls and toughness. I know how Billy coaches. I knew that going in, so I played my bigger bodies,” Self said. “Julian didn’t do anything (wrong) at all. I just thought the other guys gave us a better chance, especially playing a zone.”

Self said he had made the decision to sub Rodrick Stewart for Brandon Rush, but Rush ended up playing 37 minutes and Stewart two because Rush didn’t need to sit much in a game that included several stoppages. The teams combined for 70 free-throw attempts.

Also, C.J. Giles and Sasha Kaun played on the court at the same time in stretches for the first time since early in the season.