UPDATE: In a thrilling return, Darryn Peterson scored 17 points for the No. 21 Kansas Jayhawks, leading them to an 80-60 victory over the Missouri Tigers on December 3, 2023, after a month sidelined by a hamstring injury. The highly-touted freshman, a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, was pivotal in a crucial second-half surge that clinched the victory against their long-time rival.
Peterson, who had missed the last seven games, played 17 minutes in the first half but faced challenges in the second, spending much of that time on the bench receiving treatment. The Jayhawks, now 7-3 for the season, capitalized on a commanding 23-3 run that extended into halftime, showcasing their dominance throughout the game.
The atmosphere at the T-Mobile Center was electric, with a significant contingent of Jayhawks fans making the short trip from Lawrence. The game, designated as a Kansas home matchup, started slowly but quickly intensified. After a back-and-forth first half, Kansas ended the period with a decisive 12-2 run, punctuated by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Tre White to take a 33-25 lead into halftime.
Tensions flared during the game when Flory Bidunga was fouled hard, nearly igniting a brawl. However, both teams were assessed technical fouls, allowing the game to continue. The Jayhawks quickly extended their lead to 20 points early in the second half, maintaining a comfortable margin until the final buzzer.
White was the standout performer for Kansas, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Bidunga also contributed significantly with 10 points and 11 rebounds. For Missouri, Mark Mitchell led with 21 points, though the Tigers have now lost six of their last seven encounters against Kansas in this fierce rivalry.
As both teams regroup, the Jayhawks will look to build on this momentum, while Missouri, now 8-2, must address their recent struggles. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Peterson’s health and performance evolve in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we follow the implications of Peterson’s return and the ongoing rivalry between Kansas and Missouri.