Saturday night’s Sunflower Showdown didn’t just end with a statement win for Kansas - it ended with a spark that lit up social media and stirred emotions on both sides of the rivalry.
The Jayhawks rolled into Bramlage Coliseum and left with an emphatic 86-62 win over Kansas State, covering the 8.5-point spread with ease. It was their most dominant performance in Manhattan since 2018, and for 39 minutes and 50 seconds, it was all business on the court. But in the final 10 seconds, the game took a turn that fans won’t soon forget.
With Kansas already up by 22, Tre White threw down a dunk to push the lead to 24. Then came the moment that’s now making the rounds online - Melvin Council Jr. turned to the Kansas State student section and mimicked the Wabash Cannonball, a beloved K-State tradition and a staple of the postgame celebration with head coach Jerome Tang.
The reaction inside Bramlage was instant. Boos echoed through the arena, and within minutes, clips of the taunt were trending on X.
Council didn’t stop there. Back in the locker room, he was seen slamming a belt on the floor in celebration - a moment captured on Snapchat by teammate Flory Bidunga and later shared on team social media. It was raw, unfiltered, and unmistakably personal.
After the game, Council explained where the emotion came from.
“We’re in a group chat, and the coaches sent a video when Kansas State beat us and the fans stormed the court,” he said. “You know, piggyback on Missouri, that happened last year.”
This wasn’t just about one game. It was about payback.
The Jayhawks hadn’t won in Manhattan since 2022, with their last two trips to Bramlage ending in overtime heartbreak. This time, there was no need for bonus basketball - Kansas left no doubt.
The win moves the Jayhawks to 14-5 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play, as they continue to climb in a loaded conference. Next up: a showdown with No.
13 BYU at Allen Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
CT on the 31st - and if Saturday night was any indication, this Kansas team is bringing plenty of fire into the second half of the season.