LUBBOCK, Texas — Darryn Peterson expressed his joy at finishing a game for No. 11 Kansas, and the Jayhawks certainly needed their standout freshman against No. 13 Texas Tech.
“This is the first game I managed to play until the end,” Peterson stated. “I’ve been aiming for this all year, so finally achieving it feels like a blessing.”
Peterson netted 19 points while playing a season-high 35 minutes, but his only two baskets in the second half came from late 3-pointers. He made the equalizing shot on a contested attempt from the right corner with 1:20 remaining and followed up with another from the left wing with 44 seconds to go, securing a 64-61 victory on Monday night.
Just two days prior, Peterson had scored 18 points in the first half but sat out the final 16:46 of a win against then-No. 13 BYU due to cramping. He is currently averaging 21.1 points per game.
Projected to be a top pick in the NBA draft this June, Peterson missed a victory over Kansas State in the previous game due to an ankle injury. The 6-foot-5 guard has also faced hamstring and calf problems this season, sitting out a total of 10 games for Kansas (17-5, 7-2 Big 12).
Before landing the late 3-pointers, Peterson struggled with his shooting, going 3-of-12 against the Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3).
“He’s got something special that can’t be taught. He possesses an incredible ability to elevate his game when it matters most,” said Jayhawks coach Bill Self. “That’s exactly what he did tonight. Those two plays he executed were clearly the most significant plays of the game for us.”
The tying basket, following a Tech turnover, was made over preseason AP All-America forward JT Toppin, who subsequently had his shot blocked by Flory Bidunga before failing to convert a second-chance opportunity. Peterson then netted what turned out to be the decisive shot.
“Those two crucial 3s … that was wild,” admitted Bidunga.
“Coach Self encouraged me to go make a play,” Peterson shared when asked about his confidence in delivering at the critical moment. “The hard work I’ve put in and the support from my teammates and coaches really help. I had a tough game … shots weren’t falling for me. They defended me well, but I trusted my training, so I felt those shots were ones I should make.”
And he did, when it mattered most for the Jayhawks, marking their sixth consecutive win.
