LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dedric Lawson had 13 points and 15 rebounds, Kansas’ young backcourt made enough crucial plays when it mattered, and the No. 5 Jayhawks held off No. 23 Oklahoma 70-63 on Wednesday night in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

Devon Dotson added 16 points and fellow freshman Quentin Grimes had 14 for the Jayhawks (12-1), who survived a nervy final minute to win their 28th consecutive conference opener.

The last time Kansas lost its initial Big 12 game was against Oklahoma on Jan. 8, 1991.

The Sooners (11-2) nearly turned the trick again Wednesday night, rallying just about every time the Jayhawks went on a run. And when Charlie Moore missed two free throws in the final minute, Aaron Calixte’s off-balance runner got them within 67-63 with 31 seconds to go.

NO. 8 MICHIGAN STATE 81, NORTHWESTERN 55

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nick Ward scored all 21 of his points in the first half to help Michigan State build a big lead and beat Northwestern.

The Spartans (12-2, 3-0 Big Ten) have won seven straight this season and 10 consecutive games against the Wildcats. Northwestern (9-5, 0-3) had won three of four, losing only to No. 23 Oklahoma in overtime.

NO. 11 TEXAS TECH 62, WEST VIRGINIA 59

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Jarrett Culver scored all of his 18 points in the second half, and Texas Tech overcame some early shooting troubles to beat West Virginia in their Big 12 opener.

Matt Mooney added 14 points and Davide Moretti had 12 for Texas Tech (12-1).

Lamont West led West Virginia (8-5, 0-1) with 22 points. Derek Culver finished with 12 points.

NO. 19 HOUSTON 74, TULSA 56

HOUSTON (AP) — Corey Davis Jr. scored 21 points and hit six 3-pointers and Houston remained undefeated, beating Tulsa 74-56 night in the American Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Houston (14-0) extended the longest home winning streak in the nation to 27 games.

Nate Hinton had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Galen Robinson Jr. added 10 points for Houston. The Cougars shot only 37 percent, but outrebounded Tulsa 52-40, including 16-9 on the offensive glass, and had an 18-7 edge in second-chance points.

MARYLAND 74, NO. 24 NEBRASKA 72

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Jalen Smith made a driving layup with 3.8 seconds left to break a tie, and Maryland used a late push to get past Nebraska.

Bruno Fernando had 18 points and 17 rebounds, Anthony Cowan Jr. scored 19 points and Smith accounted for Maryland’s final seven points to finish with 15.

Palmer scored 26 points for the Cornhuskers.

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