LAWRENCE, Kan., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry teamed for four free throws in the final 15 seconds Wednesday, allowing No. 1 Kansas to fight off Cornell 71-66.
The Big Red came close to pulling off an enormous upset, grabbing an eight-point lead early in the second half and then staying in the fight after Kansas moved in front with 4 minutes to go.
Collins hit two foul shots with 15 seconds to go for the last of his 33 points, giving Kansas a three-point lead. Ryan Wittman, who led Cornell with 24 points, then missed a bid to tie it from the top of the key with 9 seconds to play.
Henry converted two free throws for the final margin of victory, keeping Kansas unbeaten in its opening 14 games this season.
It was only the second time the Jayhawks had won a game by less than 10 points. They edged Memphis by two in the second game of the campaign.
Cornell (12-3) had won 10 games in a row. The Big Red own victories this season over Alabama, Massachusetts, Toledo and St. John's.
