The Kansas Jayhawks needed poise, confidence, and a shot-maker in the final minutes Monday night vs.. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson delivered all three. Peterson buried two contested three-pointers in the final 80 seconds to lift No. 11 Kansas to a 64–61 road win over No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders, sealing the Jayhawks’ sixth straight victory and reinforcing why he is viewed as one of the most dangerous closers in college basketball.
Freshman Star Finishes What He Started
For Peterson, the moment carried added significance. After multiple games cut short by injury or cramps earlier this season, Monday marked the first time he fully finished a tight contest.
Playing a season-high 35 minutes, Peterson scored 19 points despite struggling for much of the night. Before the final surge, he shot just 3-of-12 from the field against Texas Tech’s physical defense.
None of that mattered late.
With 1:20 remaining, Peterson drilled a contested corner three to tie the game. Forty-six seconds later, he rose from the left wing and buried another triple — the decisive shot in a tense Big 12 battle.
Resilience Through Adversity
Peterson’s season has been anything but smooth. The 6-foot-5 guard missed time earlier with ankle, hamstring, and calf issues and has sat out 10 games overall. Just two games earlier, he was sidelined late due to cramping after an explosive first half against BYU.
Yet when Kansas needed composure most, Peterson responded.
Now averaging 21.1 points per game, the projected top NBA Draft pick showcased not just scoring ability, but maturity beyond his age.
Bill Self Praises Peterson’s Clutch Gene
Kansas head coach Bill Self had little hesitation praising his freshman’s late-game instincts.
Peterson’s tying shot came over JT Toppin, and after a defensive stop, he followed with the game-winner. On the other end, Kansas freshman Flory Bidunga erased Texas Tech’s answer with a critical block.
Those moments swung the outcome — and highlighted Peterson’s unique presence under pressure.
Confidence Built on Preparation
Peterson credited preparation and trust, not luck, for the closing heroics.
Despite acknowledging an off shooting night, he leaned on his routine, teammates, and coaching staff. When asked to make a play, he did exactly that.
Kansas improved to 17–5 overall and 7–2 in Big 12 play, while Texas Tech fell to 16–6 and 6–3.
Final Takeaway
Darryn Peterson did not dominate wire to wire — and that may be the most telling part. In a game defined by adversity, fatigue, and missed shots, Kansas’ freshman star showed why closers are defined by moments, not percentages.
When the game demanded belief, Peterson supplied it — and Kansas walked out of Lubbock with another statement win.