Kansas @ Brigham Young preview

The Maui Jim Maui Invitational began Monday with a pair of surprising afternoon results, but No. 5 Kansas avoided any possible drama during the evening session. The Jayhawks aim for another smooth outing Tuesday against BYU in the semifinals at Lahaina, Hawaii.

After watching previously unbeaten Georgia and No. 3 Michigan State lose in Monday’s early session, Kansas cruised to a 93-63 victory over Division II Chaminade while shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 12-of-29 from 3-point range. Sophomore guard Devin Dotson scored a game-high 19 points and will need another strong performance against BYU, which pulled away in the second half of Monday’s 78-63 win over UCLA. The Cougars shot 62 percent from the field Monday but face a tough matchup against the taller Jayhawks minus star forward Yoeli Childs, who is out for the first nine games because of an NCAA suspension. The Jayhawks had a 50-22 advantage in the paint against Chaminade and boast one of the top centers in the country in senior Udoka Azubuike, who averages 13.2 points and eight rebounds.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT KANSAS (4-1): The 7-foot Azubuike was limited to seven minutes in the first half Monday because of foul trouble but took control after the break and finished with 15 points and seven rebounds while shooting 7-of-8 from the field. “He gets the ball to the rim in an incredibly fast manner,” Chaminade coach Eric Bovaird told reporters. “It’s remarkable. Everybody talks about double-teaming him, but he catches the ball and gets it to the rim before you even have a chance to double-team him. He’s an unbelievable talent.” The Jayhawks are also strong in the backcourt, where sophomore guard Ochai Agbaji broke out of a mini-shooting slump with 11 points against the Silverswords.

ABOUT BYU (4-2): Senior guards Jake Toolson and TJ Haws scored a combined 35 points Monday to lead the Cougars, who were picked to finish third in the West Coast Conference preseason coaches poll behind Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. Sophomore guard Zac Seijaas added nine points and 11 rebounds while sophomore forward Kolby Lee continued his strong start with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting. The 6-9, 240-pound Lee is the only post player in the rotation for the Cougars, who have lost to San Diego State and Boise State.

TIP-INS

1. The teams meet for the first time since the second round of the 1993 NCAA Tournament, when Kansas posted a 90-76 victory.

2. The winner advances to Wednesday’s championship game against Dayton or Virginia Tech, while the loser faces Georgia or Michigan State in the consolation bracket.

3. Kansas is averaging 84 points while shooting 52 percent from the field.

PREDICTION: Kansas 88, BYU 70