The Kansas Jayhawks led by 17 points in the second half but then survived a Kansas State rally to defeat the Wildcats 72-63 at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State pulled within three points with less than two minutes but Devonte Graham of Kansas hit a jumper and the Jayhawks made some free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

KU standout Perry Ellis had to leave the game after suffering an injury, but coach Bill Self didn’t point to that as a reason for the comeback by the Wildcats. “Well I think if we say it was real important it takes away from them playing well down the stretch. Whoever’s in there has got to step up. We missed him.”

As for Ellis’ condition Self reported, “He had 12 stitches ( for a cut behind his right ear ) , and then the serious deal, Wayne ( Selden Jr. ) scratched him in the eye. And we’ll go back and have an eye doctor look at it. They’re hoping it’s just a scratch. If that’s the case he should be okay. If it’s anything more than who knows. We think he’ll be fine, but he doesn’t feel very good right now.”

K-State coach Bruce Weber stated the stretch just before halftime was probably the difference in the game. Turnovers during that stretch hurt the Wildcats. “And they took advantage just like the last two minutes of the game at their place, built that lead, expanded it a little bit the second half. But our guys didn’t quit and they kept battling.”

K-State hosts Texas Monday night while the Jayhawks play at Baylor Tuesday.