Kansas Escapes NC State in Overtime Thriller, But Darryn Peterson’s Health Remains a Concern
Kansas needed every ounce of grit to survive a Saturday night battle in Raleigh, edging NC State 77-76 in overtime. But while the Jayhawks walked away with the win, they also left with a lingering question: How healthy is Darryn Peterson?
The freshman guard, who’s been working his way back from a hamstring strain, didn’t finish the game - again. It was his second outing since missing seven straight contests, and for the second time in a row, he couldn’t make it to the final buzzer.
This wasn’t a blowout where Kansas could afford to rest its stars. This was a slugfest, with KU needing every possession to count.
And yet, with 2:15 left in regulation and Kansas clinging to a 61-59 lead, Peterson asked out. He didn’t return.
“I think he was getting tight,” head coach Bill Self said afterward. “I haven’t talked to the doctor or trainer yet, but he said he needed to come out.
He’s experienced this every game we’ve played. So I was happy he got that deep into the game - it’s usually happened earlier.”
That tightness is clearly something Kansas is monitoring closely. After all, Peterson’s return is still in the early stages.
Last weekend, in a 20-point win over Missouri, Self said Peterson was “gassed” while playing through an illness. Saturday’s effort looked like another step forward - but also another reminder that he’s not quite at full strength.
NC State Brings the Pressure
From the jump, NC State made it clear: Peterson wasn’t going to beat them single-handedly. The Wolfpack blitzed him in pick-and-roll situations, forcing the freshman to give up the ball early and often.
Credit to Peterson - he didn’t force the issue. He found teammates, assisted on an early bucket, and played within the flow of the offense.
He missed his first two shots before checking out at the 13:04 mark of the first half. When he returned three minutes later, it took a few trips down the court, but he eventually settled in.
Over a three-minute stretch, Peterson handed out two assists and knocked down a jumper. He finished the half with five points, three boards, and three assists - a solid, balanced effort in limited minutes.
But the real intrigue came at halftime.
No Warmup, All Impact
According to the ESPN broadcast, Peterson didn’t join the team for warmups before the second half. Instead, he stayed off to the side, stretching and using a massage gun - a clear sign that the hamstring was still barking.
And yet, when the second half tipped off, he came out firing.
Peterson scored all eight of KU’s points to open the frame, showing flashes of the dynamic scorer that made him one of the most hyped freshmen in the country. After a brief two-minute breather, he returned and logged nearly eight straight minutes of game time, adding four more points and another assist.
But then came the moment that changed the closing stretch. With 2:15 left in regulation, Peterson grimaced, signaled to the bench, and checked out. KU was up two at the time.
Enter Melvin Council Jr.
With Peterson on the bench and the game hanging in the balance, Melvin Council Jr. took over - and then some. He scored KU’s final 13 points of regulation, single-handedly dragging the Jayhawks into overtime.
And once they got there, he wasn’t done. Council added five more points in the extra period, finishing with a game-high 36 and sealing the win.
It was a heroic performance from Council, who stepped up when Kansas needed someone to carry the load. But as impressive as his night was, the bigger picture still revolves around Peterson.
Looking Ahead
Kansas heads back to Lawrence with two more non-conference games before Big 12 play begins. Towson comes to town on Tuesday, followed by one final pre-Christmas matchup on December 22. Then it’s a short break before the gauntlet begins on January 3.
Self is expected to meet with reporters Monday, and you can bet Peterson’s status will be a major topic. The Jayhawks have the depth to survive short-term absences, but if they’re going to make a serious run this season, they’ll need their star freshman at full strength.
For now, Kansas gets to exhale after a gutsy road win. But the spotlight stays on Peterson - and whether his hamstring will let him finish what he starts.