Big 12’s leading scorer Ochai Agbaji to miss tonight’s game in Ames

Jan 29, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Ochai Agbaji (30) dribbles the ball after Kentucky Wildcats guard Sahvir Wheeler (2) falls into the crowd after saving a loose ball during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

When Kansas visits Hilton Coliseum tonight, Bill Self’s squad will do so without its best player.

Ochai Agbaji did not make the trip to Ames and will not play in tonight’s game due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, as first reported by the Lawrence Journal-World‘s Matt Tait through a KU spokesman.

Agbaji enters the day as the Big 12’s leading scorer, averaging 20.9 points per game, and is considered the frontrunner for Big 12 Player of the Year. He also adds 4.9 rebounds, shoots 51.5 percent from the field and 46.4 percent from 3-point range with each percentage ranking as the second-best rate in the league.

Agbaji scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds in Kansas’ 62-61 win over Iowa State on Jan. 11 in Lawrence while shooting 8-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range.

At the time of this writing, Iowa State is a 3.5-point underdog tonight at home.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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