Darryn Peterson, the highly-touted freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, cemented his status as a clutch performer by hitting back-to-back 3-pointers in the final minutes to secure a 64-61 comeback win over Texas Tech on Monday night. The victory marked Kansas’ sixth straight win and bolstered their position in the competitive Big 12 conference.
The game, held at Texas Tech’s home court in Lubbock, saw the Red Raiders dominate much of the second half, building a 59-50 lead with just over six minutes remaining. LeJuan Watts led Texas Tech with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Donovan Atwell contributed 12 points, including key 3-pointers. However, the absence of star guard Christian Anderson due to illness left a void in Tech’s offense, which struggled down the stretch.
Peterson, who is projected to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, had a challenging night offensively, shooting 5-of-14 from the field. After scoring 11 points in the first half, he was held to just two free throws in the second half until the final moments. Texas Tech’s defense, particularly from Atwell, made it difficult for Peterson to find his rhythm, reflecting a trend of nagging injuries that have limited his playing time this season.
With Kansas trailing by three points and time winding down, Peterson rose to the occasion. He first drained a 3-pointer from the corner with 1:20 left to tie the game at 61. Then, on the ensuing possession, he hit another pull-up 3 with 44 seconds remaining to give the Jayhawks a 64-61 lead they would not relinquish. These were his only field goals of the second half, showcasing his ability to deliver in critical moments.
Supporting cast members played crucial roles in the comeback. Melvin Council Jr. added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Flory Bidunga chipped in 14 points and nine boards, providing interior defense that stifled Texas Tech’s late attempts. The Jayhawks closed the game on a 14-2 run, capitalizing on Tech’s cold shooting, as the Red Raiders made only one of their last 12 field goal attempts.
Peterson’s performance is particularly notable given his injury-plagued season. He has missed 10 full games and parts of others, but his 35 minutes on Monday were a season high. After the game, Peterson credited his confidence to the work he puts in and the support of his teammates and coaches, emphasizing that such shots are ones he expects to make based on his preparation.
The win moves Kansas to 17-5 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12, tying them for third place with Iowa State. It also strengthens their resume for the NCAA Tournament, with a 6-5 record in Quad 1 games. Next up, the Jayhawks face a tough test at home against No. 1 Arizona, setting the stage for another high-profile showdown.
This victory underscores Peterson’s potential as a franchise-altering talent and highlights Kansas’ resilience. As the regular season winds down, his ability to stay healthy and perform in clutch situations will be key to the Jayhawks’ championship aspirations, while also solidifying his draft stock as the potential top pick.
