LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas men’s basketball team didn’t hit a single 3-pointer in the first half vs. Furman on Saturday night.

It also didn’t matter. That’s how good these Jayhawks look.

KU’s many offensive options — and stellar defense — were on full display against a previously unbeaten Furman squad. The Jayhawks, who led by 11 after that first half, made it look easy in covering a massive spread (-20.5) against the Paladins.

No. 1 KU defeated Furman, 86-51, at Allen Fieldhouse. KU forward KJ Adams tied a career-high with 22 points, while Hunter Dickinson and Rylan Griffen added 10 points each.

Kansas (7-0) led 38-29 at the half after shooting a blistering 57.1% from the field (without making a single 3-pointer). The Jayhawks led by as many as 36 points in Saturday’s win.

Up next: The Jayhawks travel to Omaha to face Creighton on Wednesday.

Until then, here are three takeaways from Saturday night’s game ...

Adams continues his stellar play

Perhaps Adams reads social media before games these days. Or maybe his ankle is finally healed.

No matter the secret to his resurgence, he carried the Jayhawks to victory.

After playing his best game of the season vs. Duke on Tuesday, he delivered another excellent performance.

His impact was felt everywhere for the Jayhawks — especially in the first half. He hit timely buckets on Furman (7-1) that prevented the Paladins from gaining momentum.

Adams had 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting, five rebounds and one steal at halftime.

He kept up his stellar play in the second half, with authoritative dunks and high energy that allowed the Jayhawks to pull away. He finished with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists.

KU’s 3-point shooting struggles

Despite an up-and-down season from deep, the Jayhawks entered Saturday shooting 36.1% on 3-pointers. Kansas even shot a blistering 47.1% (8-17) from deep vs. Duke.

Well, that didn’t continue vs. the Paladins.

Furman did an excellent job limiting KU’s 3-point attempts in the first half, but even the ones allowed weren’t the easiest. Kansas shot 0 for 6.

KU shot a bit better in the second half, finishing 4 for 17 (23.5%) from deep.

Although it didn’t matter on Saturday, the Jayhawks’ 3-point inconsistency remains something to watch as the season progresses.

Jayhawks put on a defensive masterclass.

The best way to describe KU’s defense in one word would be: suffocating.

Kansas did a fantastic job of getting into the airspace of Furman shooters, making them take difficult shots and taking advantage of turnovers.

KU turned 11 Furman turnovers into 16 points.

Heading into Saturday, the Paladins ranked No. 18 in 3-point rate while shooting an impressive 38.4% from deep. KU limited Furman to 23.7% from deep. The Paladins shot 29.8% from the field.

It was one of the best defensive displays all season by the Jayhawks.

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