LAS VEGAS — Flory Bidunga filled the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and five blocks to lead Kansas to a 71-61 victory over Notre Dame on Monday at the Players Era Tournament.
The win marked the first power-conference victory of the season for Kansas (4-2), providing a much-needed bounce-back performance following a 78-66 loss to then-No. 5 Duke in the Champions Classic.
Key Performances
Bidunga was a force early, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the first half on 6-of-9 shooting, helping Kansas take a 39-32 halftime lead. He was supported by a strong frontcourt effort from Bryson Tiller, who added 17 points and nine boards.
Tre White chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Melvin Council Jr. finished with 12 points and four assists.
For Notre Dame (4-2), Markus Burton led all scorers with 24 points, and Jalen Haralson added 13 in the losing effort.
Turning Point
While Notre Dame managed to narrow the deficit to four points early in the second half, Kansas responded from beyond the arc. Council hit back-to-back 3-pointers to extend the lead to 51-40.
Later in the half, a 3-pointer from White pushed the score to 62-54 with 5:33 remaining. Jamari McDowell then sealed the momentum, sinking his only 3-pointer of the game at the 2:41 mark to give the Jayhawks a decisive 10-point cushion.
Up Next
Kansas continues play in the Players Era Tournament on Tuesday, Nov. 25, facing Syracuse.
- Tipoff: 2:30 p.m. CT
- Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena
- TV: TNT
- Radio: Classic Rock Z-96.3 The Lake, SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM KQNK, 95.5 KNDY-FM
The Jayhawks will conclude the tournament on either Nov. 26 or 27 against an opponent to be determined.
