KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 13 (UPI) -- Marcus Morris pumped in 18 points Saturday, leading No. 1 Kansas to a 72-64 win over No. 9 Kansas State and the Big 12 Tournament crown.
The Jayhawks (32-2) won their seventh Big 12 title after leading the entire second half, all but assuring themselves the top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Kansas got nine rebounds from Morris and 15 points from Tyrel Reed while Sherron Collins added 12 and distributed eight assists in the win. Kansas outpointed Kansas State at the foul line, 24-8.
Cole Aldrich contributed 10 points and eight rebounds for the Jayhawks, who went on a 9-3 run with 13 1/2 minutes to go in the game to pull away. Brady Morningstar's basket made it 49-41 with less than 11 minutes to play, providing Kansas with the winning momentum.
The Wildcats (26-7) were led by Denis Clemente with 17 points while Jamar Samuels and Jacob Pullen contributed 14 and 13, respectively, in the loss. Kansas State was shooting for its first Big 12 Tournament title.
