LUBBOCK, Texas — Freshman standout Darryn Peterson hit two clutch three-pointers in the final 80 seconds to lead the 11th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks to a stunning 64-61 comeback victory over No. 13 Texas Tech on Monday night.
Trailing by nine points with just over six minutes remaining, the Jayhawks (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) mounted a 14-2 closing run to secure their sixth consecutive win and hand the Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3) their first home loss of the season.
Peterson Finishes Strong
Peterson, the preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, finished with a game-high 19 points while playing a season-high 35 minutes. For a player who has battled ankle, hamstring, and calf injuries throughout the season, simply finishing the game was a milestone.
After a quiet second half where he struggled to find his rhythm, Peterson buried a contested three-pointer from the right corner over preseason All-American JT Toppin to tie the game at 61 with 1:20 remaining. Just 36 seconds later, he drained another from the left wing to put Kansas ahead for good.
A Deficit Overcome
Texas Tech appeared to have the game in hand when a jumper by LeJuan Watts gave them a 59-50 lead with 6:05 to go. However, the Red Raiders’ offense stalled in the closing minutes, as they missed 11 of their final 12 field goal attempts.
A crucial defensive play by Flory Bidunga, who blocked a potential go-ahead shot by Toppin after Peterson’s tying three, helped anchor the Jayhawks’ late-game stand. Bidunga finished the night with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Melvin Council Jr. contributed 16 points and Bryson Tiller grabbed 10 rebounds.
Shorthanded Red Raiders
Texas Tech played without sophomore star and Big 12 assist leader Christian Anderson, who missed the contest due to illness. Despite his absence, LeJuan Watts led the Red Raiders with 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Donovan Atwell added 12 points on four three-pointers.
The loss snapped Texas Tech’s 11-0 home winning streak this season and ended a two-year run of dominance over Kansas.
Up Next
The Jayhawks return home to Lawrence to host Utah on Saturday, looking to extend their winning streak to seven games. Texas Tech will look to regroup as they continue their pursuit of the Big 12 title.
