As if his 28 points weren’t enough of a statement, Devonte’ Graham made it clear he has no problem taking over games and getting into the teeth of the defense in crunch time.

“That’s really what I’ve been focusing on,” Graham said. “I feel like, if anything, the ball should be in my hands to make plays down the stretch late.”

Graham, who scored 28 points in KU’s 88-84 win over TCU, continued to show an increased effort to drive the ball, leading to several of his 15 free throw attempts from the line.

He wasn’t the only player that impressed.

Sitting to Graham’s right in the press conference and fresh off a 9-point, 7 rebound, 6 block performance, sophomore forward Mitch Lightfoot spoke about what he was told by Udoka Azubuike late in the game, what the coaches told him after his 3 and what he thought about KU’s mentality late.

“We pride ourselves on playing defense,” Lightfoot said. “And we did a better job of that tonight.”