Rush Scores 21 As No. 3 Kansas Cruises

Kansas guard Brandon Rush (25) hits a three pointer during the first half of their college basketball game against Northern Arizona in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Orlin Wagner - AP)

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Northern Arizona coach Mike Adras felt no need to apologize after his Lumberjacks were blown out 91-57 by No. 3 Kansas. "This is probably the best team I've ever coached against," he said. "They just kept coming and coming."

Even Kansas coach Bill Self had to admit his Jayhawks had looked sharp in every regard Saturday night while shooting 54 percent, forcing 21 turnovers and mounting a double-digit lead less than 5 minutes into the game.

Preseason All-American Brandon Rush scored 21 points, leading five players in double figures as the Jayhawks won their 35th consecutive home opener.

"We did a good job," Self said. "We need to tighten a lot of things up, but I thought our effort was excellent. You always look good when you shoot the ball well and certainly we did that."

Rush, a 6-foot-6 sophomore who had not played particularly well in two exhibition games, scored inside and outside. He also had three assists, six rebounds and played tight defense on Steven Sir, who led the NCAA last year in 3-point accuracy.

"I think we played up to our No. 3 ranking today," Rush said. "The energy was there and the shots were falling. We just kept going throughout the game. I probably stepped up and got my game focused."

Hitting 10 of their first 12 shots, the Jayhawks took control with a 19-4 run that produced a 41-17 lead. It was exactly the kind of game Self was hoping to see from a team that he feared might stumble over its preseason press clippings.

"When Brandon plays like that, we're a totally different team," he said. "We had good balance."

Northern Arizona, which has four starters back from last season's Big Sky Conference champion, was outclassed from start to finish.

"They are skilled at every position," said Sir, who was 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and finished with nine points. "They are quick, long, tall, athletic, all the things you envision the best of the best being. Kansas is an elite team. It stunk getting blown out, but it was a lot of fun."

With more than 14 minutes left, Kansas had almost all reserves on the court, including a pair of freshmen who provided the most spectacular play of the night. Guard Brady Morningstar threw an alley-oop pass to 6-9 Darrell Arthur, who caught it with one hand and threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk for a 72-34 lead.

"Coaching," said Self with a smile. "Or recruiting."