Kansas fans gear up for the tip-off of the Kansas-Missouri game Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Money sings

National recording artist Eddie Money sang the national anthem.

Money, who lives in southern California, had the time of his life attending his first KU basketball game.

“I’m in Allen Fieldhouse. This is where Wilt Chamberlain played. I just saw Danny Manning. I had a chance to meet Gale Sayers. I’m in heaven,” exclaimed Money, whose hits include “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Shakin'” and “Baby Hold On.”

Money, 60, said in a pregame interview with the Journal-World that he was nervous about singing the anthem.

“I played with the (Rolling) Stones, and I wasn’t nervous like I am now,” he said. “The only song I get nervous about singing is the Star-Spangled Banner. I sang it at a Chiefs game a couple years ago when they played the Raiders. This is the highlight of my life.

“My son goes to junior college. I wish he was here today to see how beautiful the girls are who go to school in the Midwest. I’ve been to UCLA, all over the place. The prettiest girls in the country are right here.”

Money, by the way, performed the national anthem at the Liberty Bowl, which is when he “ran into some friends who are from KU.” They had his agent contact KU about singing the anthem at a game.

In the house

Former Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie, a close friend of KU coach Bill Self, attended, as did some members of the K.C. Chiefs. … Ishmail Wainwright, a 6-5 freshman from Raytown South, attended and sat behind KU’s bench.

Say what?

Cole Aldrich had a funny quote about MU’s press. KU had 23 turnovers to the Tigers’ five.

“We were up 20 at half. They continued to fight. They really turned us over today,” he said. “We had 23 turnovers. That’s a real lot. With those guys scrambling around … I can see why we turned it over a number of times. They are a tough team.”

Injury update

Self said he hoped C.J. Henry (bruised tailbone) would be able to return to practice sometime this week. Next game is 6 p.m., Saturday, at Kansas State.

Stats, facts

Brady Morningstar had nine points and five assists. He hit a crowd-pleasing three right before the halftime buzzer. … KU extended its home win streak to 54 games. … KU has won 11 straight over Mizzou in Allen. … Self is 14-3 all-time against MU, including 11-3 at KU. … Aldrich recorded his eighth double-double (12 points and 16 rebounds) this season. It marked his 30th career double-double. …Aldrich had 12 rebounds in the first half, most by a Jayhawk in a single half since Wayne Simien’s 12 in the first half against UC-Santa Barbara on Dec. 20, 2003. … Aldrich also recorded a season-high seven blocked shots, which were the most blocks by a Jayhawk since he had 10 against Dayton in the NCAA Tournament last season. His seven blocks were tied for fifth-most in a game by a Jayhawk. … Aldrich tied Manning for fifth place on KU’s all-time list with 200 blocks in his career.