LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Marcus Garrett has earned his spot in the Kansas starting lineup primarily with his defense.

His offense Monday night was merely a bonus.

The sophomore forward poured in a career-high 20 points, used his defensive instincts to produce a crucial tie-up in the closing seconds, and helped the seventh-ranked Jayhawks hold on for an 80-78 win over the Longhorns when Jase Febres’ 3-pointer at the buzzer never came close.

“He carried us in the first half when I was in foul trouble,” said the Jayhawks’ Dedric Lawson, who added 17 points and eight rebounds. “Sometimes when we play pickup and one-on-one and stuff like that, we see that he’s capable of making shots.’

Lagerald Vick also had 21 points for the Jayhawks (15-2, 4-1 Big 12), who blew a 10-point second-half lead before escaping with their 10th straight win over the Longhorns.