LUBBOCK, Texas — In a thrilling finish, freshman guard Darryn Peterson propelled the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks to a 64-61 victory over the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 5, 2024. Peterson, who had struggled with injuries throughout the season, scored 19 points and made two pivotal 3-pointers in the final moments of the game, securing Kansas’s sixth consecutive win.
This marked a significant milestone for Peterson, who expressed relief at being able to contribute throughout the entire game. “This is the first game I got through to the end,” Peterson stated. “I’ve been trying to all year, so to finally be able to do it, it’s a blessing.”
With the game on the line, Peterson’s late-game heroics came at a crucial moment. He tied the game with a contested shot from the right corner with just 1:20 left on the clock. Following a defensive stop, he then delivered the decisive shot from the left wing with 44 seconds remaining.
Despite facing challenges earlier in the game, where he shot only 3-of-12 against the Red Raiders, Peterson relied on his preparation and the support of his teammates. “Coach Self told me to go make a play,” he said. “I had a bad game … shots weren’t really going. They guarded me kind of well, but I just trusted the work, so those shots I feel like I should make.”
Kansas head coach Bill Self praised Peterson’s ability to perform under pressure. “He’s got something that I guess you’re born with and can’t teach. He’s got just an unbelievable ability to raise his level when it counts the most,” he noted. Self emphasized that both of Peterson’s late 3-pointers were the most critical plays of the game.
Peterson’s performance comes on the heels of a strong showing against then-No. 13 BYU, where he scored 18 points in the first half but was sidelined for the final 16 minutes due to cramping. This season, he has averaged an impressive 21.1 points per game.
The victory against Texas Tech improved Kansas’s record to 17-5 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12, while Texas Tech fell to 16-6 and 6-3 in the conference. Peterson’s journey this season has not been without its obstacles. He missed a game against Kansas State due to an ankle injury and has battled hamstring and calf issues, ultimately missing a total of 10 games.
As the season progresses, Peterson’s ability to maintain his performance will be integral for the Jayhawks as they look to secure a strong position heading into the NCAA tournament. His late-game execution against Texas Tech demonstrates not only his talent but also his resilience, a combination that could make him a top prospect in the upcoming NBA draft in June.
