LAWRENCE, Kan. (November 4, 2024) - Freshman Blake Harper (Washington) made his debut in grand fashion, leading his team with 16 points, but the depth and talent proved to be too much as No. 1 Kansas defeated the Howard University men's basketball team, 87-57, in the Second Annual John McLendon Classic at Allen Fieldhouse before 15,300.
 
A freshman out of Gonzaga College High School in D.C., Harper connected on 6-of-10 from the floor--including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-5 Harper also added four rebounds and three assists.
 
The top ranked Jayhawks (1-0) bolted to the sizeable early lead and were never threatened as they took a 46-19 at the half.
 
The Bison (0-1) had problems slowing down Kansas' fast break, which produced 23 points. The Jayhawks also employed their three-point specialist Zeke Mayo, who hit on 7-of-12 from the field, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.
 
Howard's primary scorers, Bryce Harris (Brentwood, N.Y.) and Marcus Dockery (Washington), combined for 11 points, 20 points below their average.
 
Graduate guard Anwar Gill (Washington), in his first season with the Bison, contributed seven points and Jaren Johnson (Lynwood, Calif.) tallied six points in a losing effort.
 
Kansas was led by Mayo and Hunter Dickinson and Flory Bidunga, who contributed 16 points and 13 points, respectively.
 
NEXT UP: Howard continues its Midwest trip with a game at Missouri Friday (Nov. 8). The game will be carries on the SEC Network.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.