Barnes in the barn

Harrison Barnes, a 6-foot-6 junior forward from Ames (Iowa) High School, attended on an unofficial recruiting visit and sat behind KU’s bench. Before the game, Barnes left his seat to shake hands with Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, who had wandered to KU’s side of the court to visit with the Jayhawk coaches. KU and Tennessee are on Barnes’ list of schools, with Duke, Iowa, North Carolina and others.

Dunk you very much

KU sophomore Cole Aldrich had seven of KU’s 10 dunks. Tennessee had just one dunk.

“I try to go up and rip the rim down every time I get the chance,” the 6-foot-11 Aldrich said.

“I am a big fan of that particular shot,” KU coach Bill Self said of the slam. “I think we played Albany and got zero dunks in the game (Dec. 30). I don’t know when the last time that happened at Kansas is.”

Aldrich tied a career high with six blocks.

“I just try to do that every game. I try to go up and block shots, and if I can’t get it, I try to alter it. Not many teams are used to having a big guy who can really block shots. Once in a while we would get beat, and I was able to help and block shots,” Aldrich said.

Self gets a ‘T’

Self was hit with a technical foul with 4:42 left in the first half, with KU up, 35-22. He was incensed Quintrell Thomas was called for a foul while setting a screen.

Did Self deserve it?

“Probably,” Self said. “If he (ref) thinks he’s right, (and) I think I’m right, I’m OK with that. That’s no big deal. What was said between us bothered me more than the call. I certainly thought I was right on that one … must not have been, though.”

Tennessee’s Tyler Smith was called for a ‘T’ for making contact with the ball as Brady Morningstar tried to inbound in the second half.

Withey update

Jeff Withey, KU’s 7-foot freshman transfer from the University of Arizona, tells Rivals.com he will officially make the move to Lawrence on Jan. 18. He plans to attend the KU-K-State game as a fan on Jan. 13. Withey can practice with KU’s team but not play in games until December, 2009.

Production

Sherron Collins and Aldrich combined for 48 of KU’s 92 points. However, KU’s first 15 points of the second half were scored by Tyrel Reed (eight), Marcus Morris (four) and Morningstar (three).

“It’s very significant,” Self said, adding, “Cole and Sherron will play better if they feel they don’t have to do most of the things.”

Stats, facts

Collins’ 10 free throws in the second half were the most makes by a Jayhawk in a half since Wayne Simien made 11 in the first half against Colorado in February of 2005 … Tennessee’s 10 blocks were the most by a KU foe since Colorado swatted 11 in January, 2006. Wayne Chism’s six blocks tied UMass’ Tony Gaffney for the most by a KU foe this season. … Aldrich had career highs in field goals (10) and attempts (14).