The Jawhawks thrive off defensive pressure that leads to easy points.

“This has become a very good defensive spurt team,” Kansas coach Bill Self said.

Kansas has had at least one major defensive burst in each of its last four games.

“I think our energy keys us more than anything else,” Self said. “Before, the common denominator was talent or depth. Here, it’s energy. When we’re turned up, we’re pretty athletic and pay defense so much better.

“You can’t be a spurt team for 40 minutes,” Self said. “And when you play good teams, there aren’t as many spurts because the other teams have good players, too. So whenever you can get a 10-0 or a 12-4 run, that can usually be a difference between winning and losing a game.”