Kansas University men’s basketball senior Brady Morningstar converted nine three-pointers in the State Farm Three-Point Challenge on Thursday on the University of Houston campus.

Morningstar didn’t make it out of the quarterfinals, losing to Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen, who converted 13 threes. Neither Morningstar nor Pullen advanced to the semifinals.

“I am a jump-shot player, and this was more of a set-shooter’s competition,” Morningstar said. “I wish I would have done better. I had a great time, meeting a lot of people and seeing some Big 12 players like Jacob (Pullen) and LaceDarius (Dunn, Baylor). Coach (Bill) Self came out, and the whole event was a good time.”

The College of Charleston’s Andrew Goudelock held off Chris Warren of Mississippi for the title. Goudelock drilled 16 threes in the first round, 23 in the semifinals and 21 in the finals.

During the slam-dunk competition, Morningstar and Pullen assisted John Williams of UNC-Asheville with one of his slams by climbing up ladders and holding a ball while Williams snatched it from the duo and slammed it home.

Pierce’s blog

Former KU standout Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics earlier this week wrote a blog on the NCAA Tournament for the Boston Globe.

Some excerpts:

“So who’s still standing in their NCAA pool? I was doing pretty well up until my alma mater let me down. I was crushed when the Jayhawks lost to VCU last week. Not only did it kill my bracket, but I also just couldn’t believe it. I gotta give it to the Rams though, they’ve been playing amazing ball. They’ve got heart, and coach Smart is…well…smart.

“I give KU props, though. They came a long way and outlasted a bunch of other top squads in the tournament like Louisville and Duke. Kansas is always in it and certainly had a good chance this year. I pick them every year to win it because that there’s my alma mater, and I gotta stay true to my roots. But this year they realistically had a great shot at winning it all. They’re quick and well-coached. I like the way they play. I had them up against North Carolina in my final. Gotta give some love to Roy Williams.

“So even though my bracket didn’t pan out, I’m still proud of Kansas for making it as far as they did. Coach and the guys had a great season — I know what they’re goin’ through, but you move on and put all your focus into next year. It’s tough because in tournaments like this, no matter how far you make it, only one team wins it all.”