In the heart of college basketball action on Saturday, all eyes were on Darryn Peterson's playing time. Despite an impressive effort from the freshman phenom, Kansas couldn't hold off Cincinnati, falling 84-68. This loss could impact the Jayhawks' position in the Big 12 standings, potentially affecting their seeding in the upcoming tournament.
Peterson's sporadic appearances have been a hot topic this season, with injuries and illness limiting him to just 15 of Kansas' 26 games. Against Cincinnati, Peterson logged 32 minutes-close to his season high-scoring 17 points. Yet, even with his extended presence, Kansas struggled, especially in the final minutes when the deficit widened.
The game at Allen Fieldhouse started as a tight contest but ended in Kansas’ largest home defeat since a tough loss to TCU in 2023. It was also the biggest loss to an unranked team during Bill Self’s tenure.
Peterson kicked off the scoring for Kansas with two midrange jumpers, but then went quiet for over 13 minutes as the team’s offense stalled. He reignited briefly with a burst of four points, helping Kansas regain some momentum by halftime.
In the second half, Peterson hit another midrange shot, trying to steady the team. However, as Cincinnati intensified their defense, Kansas’ execution faltered, and Peterson's shooting cooled off. He ended the game with a tough 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, contributing just three points in the crucial final stretch.
For Kansas, a team with championship dreams, the game was a wake-up call. Even with Peterson on the court, they faltered under pressure.
The narrative around Peterson isn't about his skill-it's about his ability to stay in the game. Coach Self has emphasized that in the NCAA Tournament, any lapse can be costly.
Despite the challenges, Kansas has shown resilience, even securing a win against Arizona without Peterson. Yet, his inconsistent availability remains a concern.
Looking ahead, Kansas faces a tough schedule with No. 2 Houston next, followed by a showdown against a top-seeded Arizona. The road won't get easier, and the Jayhawks will need Peterson at his best to navigate these challenges.