Kansas Freshman Darryn Peterson Shines with 17 Points in Return
UPDATE: In a thrilling comeback, Darryn Peterson scored 17 points in his highly anticipated return from a month-long hamstring injury, leading the No. 21 Kansas Jayhawks to an emphatic 80-60 victory over the Missouri Tigers on December 3, 2023. This decisive win featured a stunning 23-3 run that spanned halftime, allowing Kansas to seize control against their fierce rivals.
Peterson, a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, had been sidelined for the past seven games. He played 17 minutes in the first half but was limited to just six minutes in the second half, spending significant time on the bench receiving treatment from trainers. Despite his reduced playing time, his impact was undeniable.
The Jayhawks (7-3) were led by Tre White, who contributed an impressive 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga added 10 points and 11 boards. The victory marked a continuation of Missouri’s struggles, as they have now lost six of their past seven matches against Kansas in the historic Border War.
The match, held at the T-Mobile Center, began before a lethargic crowd, but it quickly ignited when the Jayhawks’ fans, traveling just 30 minutes from their campus in Lawrence, made their presence felt. Kansas and Missouri exchanged momentum in the first half, with the Tigers taking a brief lead thanks to Mark Mitchell‘s dunk. However, the Jayhawks closed out the half with a powerful 12-2 run, capped by White’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, giving them a 33-25 lead at halftime.
Tensions flared when Bidunga was fouled hard by Missouri’s Nicholas Randall, nearly escalating into a brawl. Both teams received technical fouls as officials worked to restore order.
As the second half commenced, Kansas quickly expanded their lead to 20 points, maintaining a comfortable margin throughout the remainder of the game. This victory not only boosts Kansas’ standing but also highlights Peterson’s resilience and potential as he returns to form.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Peterson continues to recover and regain his full strength. The Jayhawks aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while Missouri seeks to regroup from yet another tough loss. Stay tuned for further developments as the college basketball season progresses.
