After Saturday’s victory against American, KU coach Bill Self lavished praised on freshman Perry Ellis, who came off the bench and recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes.

“It’s the best game Perry’s played,” Self said. “He was aggressive. He went after the ball."

Ellis, who has struggled to find his rhythm, entered the night averaging 5.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. And his numbers have decreased as the competition has become tougher. But on Saturday, Ellis became the first KU freshman to record a double-double since Thomas Robinson had one against Alcorn State in the 2009-10 season.

“I thought he looked more comfortable than he’s looked,” Self said. “I thought Perry played very well.”

** Comedian Jason Sudeikis, a native of Overland Park and best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, attended Saturday’s game with longtime girlfriend and actress Olivia Wilde. Sudeikis and Wilde sat behind the KU bench and visited the Jayhawks’ locker room after the game. Were KU's players excited to see Wilde?

“Our guys were pretty excited to see ... Jason,” Self deadpanned.

** Kansas returns to the floor against Temple next Sunday, and the game will have some meaningful – if not a little arbitrary – significance. The Jayhawks, who won their 29th straight home game against American, can make it 99 victories out of 100 at Allen Fieldhouse.

First half

Key play: Sophomore Naadir Tharpe hit a trailing Jeff Withey for a monster slam during KU’s first-half run.

Key stat: Tharpe had eight assists in the first half.

Second half

Key play: Jeff Withey finished a dunk that gave KU a 57-34 lead with 16 minutes left, sparking another Kansas run.

Key stat: The Jayhawks had 25 assists on 34 field goals.