UPDATE: In a thrilling return from injury, Darryn Peterson scored 17 points as the No. 21 Kansas Jayhawks dominated the Missouri Tigers 80-60 on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the T-Mobile Center.
After missing a month due to a hamstring injury, Peterson’s comeback was critical for the Jayhawks, who surged ahead with a stunning 23-3 run around halftime. This victory marks a significant moment for Kansas as they continue to assert their dominance over their bitter rivals.
Peterson, a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, had been sidelined for the past seven games. Despite his limited second-half play, where he logged only six minutes while receiving treatment, his impact was felt throughout the game.
Leading the team was Tre White, who recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga contributed 10 points and 11 boards. The Jayhawks now improve to 7-3 for the season.
On the other side, Missouri’s Mark Mitchell led the Tigers with 21 points, as they fell to 8-2, struggling with their sixth loss in the last seven matchups against Kansas in the historic Border War rivalry.
The game kicked off in front of a subdued crowd, but the atmosphere quickly changed as Kansas fans, just a short 30-minute trip from their campus in Lawrence, filled the arena with energy. The first half saw both teams exchanging leads, with the Tigers taking a brief advantage thanks to Mitchell’s dunk.
However, Kansas ended the half on a 12-2 run, capped by a buzzer-beater three-pointer from White, giving them a 33-25 lead at the break. The tension escalated when Bidunga was fouled hard, resulting in technical fouls for both teams as officials intervened.
As the second half unfolded, Kansas maintained control, quickly extending their lead to 20 points early on, leading to a comfortable finish. Fans are now looking forward to how Peterson’s return will impact the team’s performance as they aim for higher rankings and potential NCAA tournament success.
Next up: Kansas will be aiming to maintain their momentum in upcoming matchups, while Missouri will seek to regroup and find their footing in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
