UPDATE: The No. 25 Kansas Jayhawks delivered a commanding 77-46 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday night, despite the surprising absence of star freshman Darryn Peterson. Coach Bill Self confirmed that Peterson was sidelined due to a tight hamstring, a precaution that caught the team off guard just before the game.
In a crucial bounce-back performance following last week’s loss to North Carolina, the Jayhawks showcased their depth. Self stated after the game, “We didn’t anticipate this but at the end of the practice this morning, he said it was tight. So I told him no reason to go.” The coach emphasized the need for caution, insisting on the importance of Peterson’s health moving forward.
Peterson, recognized as the nation’s No. 1 recruit, had previously scored 21 points in his debut and 22 points against North Carolina, making his absence felt early as the team struggled to find rhythm. “It’s frustrating for him, I’m sure,” Self added. “And it’s frustrating as a coach, too, because we don’t know from day to day how he’s going to be.”
Despite the slow start, Kohl Rosario stepped up with 16 points, igniting the team with spectacular alley-oop dunks and timely three-pointers. The Jayhawks led 38-18 at halftime and pulled away decisively with a stunning 14-0 run in the second half, showcasing their defensive prowess by limiting the Islanders to just 32% shooting.
Looking ahead, Kansas faces a challenging schedule, with a game against Princeton this Saturday followed by matchups against top-tier teams including No. 4 Duke and No. 3 UConn before entering Big 12 play. Self expressed optimism about Peterson’s return, stating, “I look forward to seeing him practice Thursday, at least we think that’s the case.”
As the Jayhawks continue their season, the stakes are rising, making Peterson’s recovery critical. With the NCAA tournament looming, Kansas aims to maintain momentum and build on their impressive home win streak, now at 22 consecutive nonconference games. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates this pivotal stretch.
Stay tuned for further updates as Kansas prepares for their next challenge.
