In a stunning preseason exhibition, the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks defeated the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks 85-69 on Friday night. The game offered a critical look at both squads, revealing Arkansas’s early-season readiness under new coach John Calipari and highlighting significant offensive challenges for a Kansas team playing without key starters. The intense matchup exposed areas for improvement as both teams prepare for the official season start.
Razorbacks Take Control Early with an Offensive Surge
From the opening tip-off, Arkansas established a commanding presence on the court. The Razorbacks came out with a fluid and aggressive offense, quickly putting the Jayhawks on their heels. By the end of the first quarter, Arkansas had already built a 25-17 lead, largely thanks to an impressive start from guard D.J. Wagner, who scored 8 points in the initial frame.
Kansas, on the other hand, struggled to find any consistent offensive rhythm. Their usually reliable 3-point shooting was non-existent, and the team looked out of sync. Despite a few athletic plays from AJ Storr, the Jayhawks could not close the gap. By halftime, Arkansas had extended its lead to 45-33, firmly controlling the game’s tempo.
Kansas’s Key Players Step Up Amid Struggles
With starters Hunter Dickinson and Rylan Griffen sidelined, Kansas had to rely on other players to carry the load. Dajuan Harris Jr. rose to the occasion, leading the Jayhawks’ scoring efforts and trying to keep his team in the fight. He was joined by freshmen Rakease Passmore and Flory Bidunga, who both delivered strong performances under the intense pressure from the Razorbacks’ defense.
Harris Jr. finished as the team’s top scorer, but the collective effort wasn’t enough to overcome Arkansas’s relentless attack. The Razorbacks capitalized heavily on mistakes, outscoring Kansas 15-5 in points off turnovers.
Notable Kansas Player Performances
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
| Dajuan Harris Jr. | 13 | 2 |
| Rakease Passmore | 11 | 4 |
| Flory Bidunga | 6 | 7 |
Physical Defense from Arkansas Dominates the Second Half
The second half saw Arkansas continue its dominance, largely fueled by a physical and disciplined defense that Kansas could not solve. The Razorbacks consistently disrupted the Jayhawks’ offensive sets, forcing turnovers and preventing them from converting on open looks. This defensive pressure allowed Arkansas to maintain and build upon its lead, ending the third quarter with a comfortable 65-50 advantage.
While Kansas showed moments of fight, particularly in their hustle for second-chance points where they led 13-6, it was not enough to shift the momentum. The Jayhawks finished the game with 11 turnovers compared to just seven for Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ ability to turn those mistakes into points was a deciding factor in the outcome.
Final Takeaways Before the Regular Season
This exhibition game provided valuable insights for both programs. For Kansas, the loss highlights an urgent need to refine offensive execution and fill defensive gaps before the season officially begins. The performances of newcomers Passmore and Bidunga, however, offer a promising glimpse into the team’s depth.
For Arkansas, the victory is a statement. The team showcased a balanced and potent offense with several players making key contributions.
- D.J. Wagner: Led all scorers with 17 points.
- Boogie Fland: Reached double figures, adding to the balanced attack.
- Zvonimir Ivisic: Provided solid numbers in a strong team effort.
The decisive win suggests that Arkansas is well-prepared to be a major contender this season. Coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks will head back to the drawing board, aiming to solidify their strategy to live up to their No. 1 ranking.
