KANSAS CITY, Mo. - FINAL

Photo Gallery

Kansas Basketball vs. Washington

Photo gallery of Kansas vs. Washington at the Sprint Center Monday night in Kansas City, Mo.

They won against their first real competitor of the season. The Jayhawks defeated Washington 73-54.

After Washington pulled within four at 26-22 late in the first half, Kansas took over. Taylor picked up a big block to spark the Jayhawks.

From there, Kansas closed the half on a 6-0 run. The Huskies never whittled into that lead in the second half.

Besides getting outrebounded, Kansas did almost everything right. The Jayhawks continued to build their lead as the Morris twins and Aldrich banged inside, and Collins and Tyshawn Taylor caught fire from the guard spots.

7:00 - And the rout continues. Kansas continues to pile on and leads Washington 56-36.

Although the Jayhawks are getting killed on the boards, there are positives about everywhere else. Sherron Collins now has 16 points, and Cole Aldrich has 10.

The young players are getting their playing time and holding their own against the Huskies' veterans.

15:15- Kansas is pulling away. The Jayhawks are on top 43-28 and appear to be in control.

The run started late in the first half. After leading just 26-22, Kansas is now on a 17-6 run. Tyshawn Taylor has helped lead the way. He now has 10 points.

Sherron Collins also has 10, and Marcus Morris has eight. Star player Jon Brockman has just seven for the Huskies.

Halftime - The Jayhawks lead the Huskies 32-22, and the younger players and veterans are all performing.

Cole Aldrich has eight points, and Sherron Collins scored seven early. But Tyshawn Taylor has the best highlights.

After Washington pulled within four at 26-22, he swatted away Isaiah Thomas' layup to preserve the lead. From there on, the Jayhawks closed the half on a 6-0 run. The final two points came from Taylor. He raced down the court for a finger roll just before the buzzer sounded.

7:43- It's starting to get a little testy inside Sprint Center. Two possessions, and two instances where a Morris twin gets physical with a Huskies player.

No fights broke out, but the referees did have to calm them down.

As far as basketball goes, the Jayhawks appeared ready to pull away. They went on an 13-1 run, taking a 17-8 lead.

Then Washington answered back. The Huskies are back within five at 19-14.

So far, Sherron Collins and the young Jayhawks have shown they're ready for the bright lights of the Sprint Center.

With the score at 15-8 at the first TV timeout, Collins has seven of the Jayhawks' points, including a three-pointer that erased an early Washington lead.

The younger players have also performed. Early on, Marcus Morris and Tyshawn Taylor both got called for early charges, and Jon Brockman was able to hit the offensive glass against Morris. But they've settled down.

Collins has found the Morris Twins open down low, and Tyrel Reed has sparked the defense.