STILLWATER, Okla. - Darryn Peterson set the tone early for the Jayhawks, and the rest of the team followed suit. The freshman guard started the game with a five-minute spurt that included a perfect three for three from 3-point range and 13 minutes without a missed basket. Peterson's start fueled the Jayhawks the rest of the way, and No. 8 Kansas men's basketball took down Oklahoma State 81-69 on Wednesday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Peterson ended his night with 23 points and six 3-pointers, but did not check back into the game after heading to the bench with 17:22 to go in the second half. His 23 points helped build a large enough lead for Kansas to run away with a win. Here are three takeaways from the Jayhawks Big 12 road win over the Cowboys on Wednesday night.
1. Peterson sets the tone early
Darryn Peterson wasted no time taking control. The freshman guard scored 13 points in the first five minutes and drilled three early 3-pointers to spark a 17-6 start. He finished with 23 points and six 3-pointers in just 18 minutes, helping Kansas build a first-half lead that never dipped below double digits late. Peterson did not return after going to the bench early in the second half. Kansas head coach Bill Self said he was dealing with cramps again, but the freshman's first-half burst was enough to push Kansas to the win.
2. Fast start created separation
Kansas surged ahead 33-14 midway through the first half and led by as many as 23 before halftime. Oklahoma State answered with an 11-0 run, but buckets from Melvin Council Jr. and Bryson Tiller steadied the Jayhawks, who took a 43-29 lead into the break. Kansas shot almost 50% from beyond the arc, showing efficiency on the road.
3. Boost off the bench, and role players seal the win
Elmarko Jackson provided a key spark off the bench, scoring 14 points and attacking off the dribble to keep pressure on the Cowboys’ defense. Tre White shook off a slow start to finish with 14 points, including a pair of timely second-half 3-pointers. Tiller recorded a double-double and a career high in assists and added 10 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as Kansas improved to 20-6 overall and 10-3 in Big 12 play.
The Jayhawks now flip the page to Saturday when they welcome Cincinnati to Allen Fieldhouse.