ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) (Nov. 27) — Freshman reserve Drew Gooden scored 20 points as 10th-ranked Kansas neutralized Georgia Tech’s big men in a 84-70 victory Saturday night in the final of the Great Alaska Shootout.
The matchup between 7-foot Eric Chenowith of Kansas and 7-0 Jason Collier was overshadowed by the sterling play of Gooden and the rest of the Jayhawks bench as the reserves scored 42 points.
Kansas coach Roy Williams substituted early and often, sometimes sending in five subs at a time.
Although only 6-9, Gooden outbattled Collier and 6-11 Alvin Jones inside while Chenowith played his best game of the tournament with 13 points.
Gooden was selected the tournament’s outstanding player, mostly on the strength of his performance in the championship game. Besides leading the Jayhawks in scoring, he led them with 11 rebounds, including six off the offensive boards.
Leading 43-33 at the half, Williams went to his bench just two minutes later and the lead soon was 23.
Midway through the half, Georgia Tech made its only real run, with Tony Akins scoring 10 straight points. With the lead down to 71-59, Kansas’ Jeff Boschee hit a 3-pointer to stem the Yellow Jackets’ momentum.
Again Georgia Tech whittled the lead to 12, but again Boschee hit a 3-pointer to end the comeback hopes. Boschee ended up with only eight points, sitting out much of the game in foul trouble.
Kansas (4-0) got 15 points from Kenny Gregory, including 11 in the second half. Luke Axtell finished with 11.
Akins had 13 in the second half to finish with 17 for Georgia Tech (3-1). Collier added 13 and Jones 11.
