Setting the stage for JHX Hoops’ game 3 matchup vs Purple Reign in TBT
· Yahoo Sports
LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball’s alumni team in the TBT, JHX Hoops, has the third game of a three-game series against Kansas State’s Purple Reign on Friday.
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So far in the series, each side has won a game. Purple Reign took the first game 80-61 on Tuesday in Manhattan, while JHX Hoops took the second 84-80 on Wednesday in Topeka. It took a significant comeback from JHX Hoops in game two to keep this series from coming to an end.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, before JHX Hoops tips off against Purple Reign at 6 p.m. (CT) in Manhattan:
Why JHX Hoops was able to mount a comeback in game 2
Sherron Collins, listed as head coach for JHX Hoops on the TBT website, acknowledged that they are all human. When the team faced a significant second half deficit, that feeling that things are going the wrong way can creep in. Zeke Mayo, who plays on the team, acknowledged there were a few moments out there where he wondered if this series would come to an end in two games.
But Collins also felt confidence that wouldn’t happen Wednesday, because he saw something different in his team — especially late in the third quarter. Mayo said they have a group of guys who don’t quit, and he’s excited to have another chance. JHX Hoops trailed by 14 points when the second half began, was able to get that down to eight by the time the Elam Ending started, and eventually won by four.
Collins thinks they played better Wednesday than they played Tuesday, can play better Friday than they did Wednesday, and that the biggest key Friday is to be aggressive and hit first.
Why Zeke Mayo’s confidence hasn’t wavered, and he’s kept shooting
Across the first two games, Mayo hasn’t shot at the level he is capable of. But, he was much improved in game two. And in this second matchup, he hit a critical 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 79-78 as the team’s chased a target score of 83.
Mayo, who as someone from Lawrence appreciates the chance to compete in this rivalry, mentioned people like Collins, Tyshawn Taylor and all his teammates give him confidence to keep shooting the ball. Taylor, listed as player/GM/owner on the TBT website, noted as well that Mayo is getting good looks and not forcing shots. So, the job as a coach is to make sure Mayo continues to go after those opportunities because at some point they will go in.
Mayo scored 15 points in game two while shooting 6-for-15 from the field, 3-for-9 from behind the arc and 0-for-2 from the free-throw line, after scoring 12 points in game one while shooting 2-for-9 from the field, 1-for-7 from behind the arc and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.
Why having Frank Mason III on the team matters so much
Frank Mason III hit the game-winning shot for JHX Hoops on Wednesday, going after his own miss — as his side led 82-80 — and putting it back in to clinch the victory. Collins described that as Mason just having relentless effort, and thinks Mason knew the first attempt wasn’t going in so he went after the rebound. Collins noted Mason just has that will to win.
Taylor said it’s important to have a good point guard on any team, and that in Mason they have a high-level player. Taylor added Mason will continue to improve as they go into Friday’s game. Collins said they’re lucky that a player of that caliber has respect for them, and is coachable.
Mason led JHX Hoops in scoring Wednesday, finishing with 23 points as he shot 9-for-22 from the field, 1-for-7 from behind the arc and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Setting the stage for JHX Hoops’ game 3 matchup vs Purple Reign in TBT