Bill Self picks up record victory in Allen Fieldhouse as KU beats Siena 86-65

Nobody has won more games in Allen Fieldhouse than Kansas’ Bill Self.

Self, KU’s 14th-year head basketball coach, on Friday directed the Jayhawks to a 86-65 victory over Siena and in the process picked up his 207th home victory against nine losses. He passed Ted Owens, who went 206-47 in 19 seasons in the tradition-rich building.

“That’s a pretty cool deal,” said Self, who was accorded a loud ovation from the fans when his milestone was announced on the public-address system after the final horn. “It is a great building. We’ve won a lot of games here. It means you’ve been coaching here a while or Larry Keating (the schedule-maker) schedules a lot of home games. It’s been a fun run.

“I’m more concerned, as we all are, trying to get our team better. This is a tired team. And we’re going to play two quality opponents in Kansas City,” he added of Monday’s 8:30 p.m. game against UAB and Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. contest against Georgia or George Washington in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic at the Sprint Center.

Self’s record victory came on a night the Jayhawks hit just three of 12 threes and 17 of 26 free throws. The Jayhawks, who led by just five points at 63-58 with 7:28 left, were burned by the inside/outside combo of guard Marquis Wright (25 points) and forward Javion Ogunyemi (19 points, four blocks).

Meanwhile, KU’s Carlton Bragg had career highs with 15 points and 11 rebounds, helping assure Self the record-setting victory.

“He is a special coach and this is a special place,” Bragg said. “Put those two together and special things happen.”

Senior guard Frank Mason, who scored a team-leading 18 points on a night Lagerald Vick set career highs in points (12) and boards (eight), said the Jayhawks were tickled to win for “one of the best coaches ever. We’re all happy for him.”

Mason scored seven points and Vick six in a 15-2 run that upped the 63-58 lead to 78-60 with 3 minutes to play. Self’s son, Tyler, was able to enter and hit a jumper for two points on his dad’s big night.

“I would never think like that. Now that you mention it, it is nice,” Self said of his son’s contribution. “I don’t know I’d consider it a big shot up 20. It’s nice he got in and made the shot, though.”

Self was asked if his wife, Cindy, would be more pleased with Tyler’s three or Bill getting the most wins in the fieldhouse’s history.

“I think him making the shot would probably trump 500 wins in the building (according to Cindy),” Self said, smiling.

Self was not all that pleased with KU’s second victory in three outings — and 43rd straight home opening win — but conceded it was “one I’m not going to worry about too much. We’ve got to have some individuals come more ready to play than they did tonight. Hopefully it’s a good learning lesson for some kids.”

Senior Landen Lucas had six points, five boards and five blocks with two fouls in 21 minutes.

“He’s a fifth-year senior and he stops to question the official twice back-to-back when the other team has the ball. That’s ridiculous,” Self said. “A lot of that is being tired, too. A lot of that is just fatigue. He’ll get better moving forward.”

Self added that the entire team, which is coming off an eight-day swing to Hawaii and New York in which KU split games against Indiana and Duke, looks “tired. Frank and Devonté didn’t have any legs.”

Self was pleased with sophomore forward Bragg’s work on the inside.

“Carlton went after the ball a lot better,” Self said.

Of his own performance, Bragg said: “Coach has been on me at practice about staying aggressive, to focus on one thing, rebounding, and he said everything else would come natural and it did. My main focus is rebounding and helping the team out.”

Siena coach likes Allen Fieldhouse

Of the experience of playing in Allen Fieldhouse, Siena coach Jimmy Patsos said: “What a thrill to play here. I grew up for 13 years as Gary Williams’ assistant (at Maryland) and I used to think Cole Fieldhouse was the best place, and of course Cameron Indoor, but boy was this a special place to play.

“It was really an honor. I got to see the Royals’ clubhouse today and got to go on the field, and then got to play about 30 minutes of really good basketball.

“I did an interview before the game and said Lagerald Vick was my favorite player. That’s my kind of guy. He does a lot of dirty work. Unfortunately I was correct. Looks like you (KU) are going to have another run at the national championship.

“With that being said, unfortunately I continue to be a different part of history. I’m the guy that lost to Bill Self when he broke the winning record in Phog Allen Fieldhouse.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 9:28 PM with the headline "Bill Self picks up record victory in Allen Fieldhouse as KU beats Siena 86-65."