Jayhawks Edge Wildcats in Tense Elam Ending Showdown

Vick’s late steal and layup seals 59-57 victory for JHX Hoops

A thrilling contest between former Kansas and Kansas State players culminated in dramatic fashion as JHX Hoops edged out Purple Reign in The Basketball Tournament. The KU alumni squad erased a significant deficit, ultimately securing a narrow 59-57 win.

Late Drama Decides Rivalry Clash

JHX Hoops, fueled by Zeke Mayo and player-coach Tyshawn Taylor, clawed back from a double-digit deficit in the third quarter. The game headed to the signature Elam Ending tied at 50. Purple Reign, the K-State alumni team, came within a single point of victory but couldn’t close it out.

Missed free throws proved costly for Purple Reign, including two crucial attempts that could have secured the win. The game-deciding play came from Lagerald Vick, who snagged a steal and converted a transition layup, his only points of the game, to give JHX Hoops the final edge.

Standout Performances Amidst the Frenzy

Zeke Mayo led all JHX scorers with 14 points. Cam Martin, playing for Purple Reign, also contributed 14 points and faced boos during introductions. David McCormack added a double-double for JHX with nine points and ten rebounds.

Purple Reign initially took control, with Cam Martin scoring the first two baskets. JHX Hoops struggled offensively early, taking over three minutes to register their first points. The first quarter was characterized by a slow scoring pace and numerous fouls.

Second Half Surge and Elam Ending Tension

Kansas State alumni built a substantial lead, even reaching a ten-point advantage in the second half after a three-point play by Austin Trice. However, JHX Hoops mounted a strong comeback. Marcus Bell hit a pair of baskets inside, and Tyshawn Taylor ignited the rally off a rebound.

Zeke Mayo‘s transition basket brought JHX within two points, and Tyshawn Taylor‘s layup tied the game in the final minute of the third quarter. Mayo then sank a go-ahead three-pointer after a block by Billy Preston, giving JHX a 43-40 lead entering the final period.

The teams traded blows, with Shaun Williams tying the game for Purple Reign with a second-chance three-pointer. As the target score for the Elam Ending loomed, JHX initially took a three-point lead from free throws. Purple Reign then went on a 7-0 run, but missed opportunities allowed JHX to rally back.

The Basketball Tournament has seen a surge in popularity, with last year’s championship game drawing over 1.5 million viewers on ESPN, highlighting the growing interest in its unique format and alumni team matchups (ESPN, 2023).

Next Steps for JHX Hoops

With this hard-fought victory, the KU alumni team advances to face No. 1 seed Heartfire in their next matchup. Heartfire eliminated JHX Hoops in the 2023 tournament, adding an extra layer of motivation for the upcoming game.