ROME (AP) Inspired following a visit to the Colosseum, Kansas' bruising 7-foot, 280-pound center Udoka Azubuike bent the rim out of shape on a pair of monstrous dunks during the opening game of the Jayhawks tour of Italy.

Azubuike's aggressiveness prompted officials to interrupt play against an Italian all-star squad for several minutes during the second quarter Wednesday to repair the basket. Once the rim was tightened and put back in place, the action resumed.

"We almost didn't have a game because of him," coach Bill Self said.