Kansas closed out the group play round of the Players Era Festival with a 71–60 win over Syracuse on Tuesday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, leaning on frontcourt control and timely second-half runs to move to 5–2 on the season.

Tre White (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Flory Bidunga (13 points, 14 rebounds) each posted double-doubles as the Jayhawks dominated the glass, outrebounding Syracuse 49–29. Kansas built a 34–25 halftime lead behind early bursts from Bidunga and Jamari McDowell, then held off several Orange pushes after the break. McDowell started for the first time this season and added nine points and four rebounds. 

Syracuse trimmed the deficit to 52–50 before Kansas responded with 11 straight points, fueled by paint touches and free throws. White helped spark the run, and Melvin Council Jr. added 14 points, including key late-game finishes to keep Kansas in control. Bryson Tiller also added 11 points and eight rebounds to Kansas' balanced attack. 

The Jayhawks struggled with 15 turnovers but held Syracuse to 32% shooting and limited the Orange to nine points off giveaways. Tyler Betsey’s 12 points led Syracuse, which never recovered after Kansas rebuilt a double-digit lead in the closing minutes.

Kansas finished the group play seeding portion 2–0 with a +21 point differential, positioning itself well for Wednesday’s placement game. The opponent and tipoff time will be determined after the final games conclude.