Kansas Rallies Late to Edge Texas Tech in Gritty 64-61 Win
Kansas found itself in a dogfight Monday night, but when it mattered most, the Jayhawks dug deep. Down by double digits with just eight minutes to play, KU closed the game on a dramatic 14-2 run to steal a 64-61 win over Texas Tech in a Big 12 slugfest.
Let’s break down how the Jayhawks pulled it off - and who stepped up when the lights were brightest.
Starting Five
Kansas rolled out a youthful but talented starting lineup:
- G Darryn Peterson
- G Melvin Council Jr.
- F Tre White
- F Bryson Tiller
- F Flory Bidunga
The mix of freshmen and transfers continues to evolve, but Monday night showed this group is learning how to win close games.
First Half: Trading Blows Early
Early Going - Under 16 Timeout
Both teams came out firing from deep.
Ten of the first 15 field goal attempts were from beyond the arc, and while that didn’t exactly translate to a shootout, it set the tone. Melvin Council Jr. got the Jayhawks on the board with a three, but early turnovers - three in the opening minutes, including two from Tre White - gave Texas Tech a slight edge.
Score: Texas Tech 8, Kansas 7
Midway Point - Under 12 Timeout
Lejuan Watts was a problem for KU early, getting to seven points in the first eight minutes.
Council started to find his rhythm inside, using his floater to keep Kansas within striking distance. Despite KU shooting a better percentage from the field, Texas Tech’s edge came from deep - hitting three more threes than the Jayhawks in that stretch.
Score: Texas Tech 18, Kansas 17
Bidunga Makes His Presence Felt - Under 8 Timeout
Flory Bidunga went to work.
The freshman big man blocked a shot, scored twice in the paint, and was a force on the glass - already up to seven rebounds. Peterson knocked down a three, but Texas Tech answered with their fifth of the half from beyond the arc.
Score: Texas Tech 25, Kansas 22
Tied Up - Under 4 Timeout
Not much action between timeouts here, but Kansas managed to tie it up. Bryson Tiller got a bucket, and added a free throw to knot things at 25.
Closing the Half Strong
In the final stretch of the half, Kansas tightened the screws defensively.
They limited Texas Tech’s looks from three and forced the Red Raiders to burn clock on every possession. On the other end, the Jayhawks moved the ball well and found open looks - with Peterson finally getting into a rhythm.
KU closed the half on a 10-4 run to take the lead into the break.
Halftime: Kansas 32, Texas Tech 29
Second Half: A Tale of Two Runs
Red Raiders Come Out Swinging - Under 16 Timeout
After struggling at the end of the first half, Texas Tech flipped the switch.
They hit five of their first seven shots after the break, ripping off an 11-0 run that put Kansas on its heels. The Jayhawks’ offense stalled, and suddenly they found themselves playing catch-up.
Score: Texas Tech 42, Kansas 36
Kansas Punches Back - Under 12 Timeout
Just when it looked like Texas Tech might pull away, KU responded.
Council broke a four-minute scoring drought with a crafty eurostep finish, and Tre White buried a three. Two free throws from Johnny Jackson helped close the gap to two.
Score: Texas Tech 47, Kansas 45
Red Raiders Surge Again - Under 4 Timeout
Texas Tech wasn’t done.
They hit a pair of threes to stretch the lead to 10 - the largest of the game - with eight minutes to play. But Kansas refused to fold.
Bidunga and Council shouldered the load offensively, combining for 11 of KU’s last 13 points during a gritty stretch where every bucket was hard-earned.
Score: Texas Tech 59, Kansas 54
Final Stretch: Peterson Takes Over
Down the stretch, Kansas turned up the intensity - and Darryn Peterson delivered. The freshman guard came up clutch, knocking down two critical threes, including the game-winner. Kansas closed the game on a 14-2 run, locking in defensively and executing just enough on offense to pull off the comeback.
Final Score: Kansas 64, Texas Tech 61
Takeaways
- Flory Bidunga was a difference-maker in the paint, both as a rebounder and rim protector. His early energy helped Kansas control the glass.
- Melvin Council Jr. continues to be a steady presence, mixing perimeter shooting with tough finishes inside.
- Darryn Peterson saved his best for last.
His late-game heroics were the difference, and he’s quickly becoming a go-to option when the game is on the line.
This wasn’t the prettiest win for Kansas, but it was gritty, gutsy, and showed real growth from a young squad. They took Texas Tech’s best punch - twice - and still found a way to win. That’s the kind of resilience that travels in March.