Kansas' freshman sensation Darryn Peterson wasted no time making his mark, lighting up the scoreboard with 23 points in just 18 minutes. But when cramps forced him to the bench, the Jayhawks showcased their depth and versatility, securing an 81-69 victory over Oklahoma State.
Head coach Bill Self highlighted the team's adaptability, saying, “It’s happened often enough that our guys have learned to play without him.” And that adaptability was on full display in the second half.
Elmarko Jackson stepped up with a composed performance, tallying 14 points and four assists. Self praised Jackson as Kansas’ standout player, noting his ability to seize scoring opportunities and make smart decisions when defenses tightened up.
Jackson himself reflected, “Just understanding offense more. Understanding when to be aggressive, when to move the ball.”
Tre White was another key contributor, adding 16 points and five rebounds. His timely shooting, particularly two consecutive 3-pointers in the second half, forced an Oklahoma State timeout and helped Kansas maintain their lead.
Meanwhile, freshman forward Bryson Tiller demonstrated why he’s a trusted asset, delivering 10 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. His knack for facilitating and rebounding ensured the offense stayed on track without Peterson.
“He was diming,” White commented. “That’s normal for him. We see it every day.”
While Peterson’s cramps are a concern for Self, especially with March Madness looming, Kansas has shown they can adapt and thrive. The ball movement was fluid, the defense cohesive, and various players embraced larger roles.
With 26 games under their belt, Kansas now stands at 20-6 overall and 10-3 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks proved once again that their strength lies not just in individual brilliance but in their collective depth and resilience.
On a night that began with a freshman’s explosive performance, it concluded with a testament to the power of teamwork and depth.