Kansas and Arkansas squared off in an exhibition game Friday night, giving fans a first glimpse at their teams before the season officially begins. Kansas, currently ranked No. 1, struggled to gain ground against the No. 16 Razorbacks. The night saw strong performances, player challenges, and insights into areas needing improvement as both teams gear up for the season.
Kansas Struggles to Find Offensive Rhythm in Opening Half
It became clear early on that Kansas was not in peak form offensively. At the end of the first quarter, Arkansas led 25-17, showcasing a more fluid offense. Kansas, on the other hand, saw its 3-point shots drying up fast.
- First Quarter Stats:
- Arkansas: 25 points
- Kansas: 17 points
- D.J. Wagner’s 8 points led Arkansas’ early surge.
With Kansas’ offense stumbling and only occasional highlights like AJ Storr’s athletic plays, it was a rocky start. And by halftime, Arkansas was up 45-33. Kansas guard Dajuan Harris Jr. led with 10 points, keeping them competitive, but without major improvement, their offense remained hampered.
Key Players Emerge Despite Challenges
In the absence of Kansas center Hunter Dickinson and guard Rylan Griffen, Dajuan Harris Jr. and freshmen Rakease Passmore and Flory Bidunga became focal points. Harris Jr. led Kansas’ scoring with 13 points, while Passmore and Bidunga contributed strong performances despite the mounting Razorback pressure.
Notable Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Dajuan Harris Jr. | 13 | 2 |
| Rakease Passmore | 11 | 4 |
| Flory Bidunga | 6 | 7 |
While Harris Jr. pushed Kansas’ pace, Arkansas capitalized on Jayhawks turnovers, leading them 15-5 in points off turnovers. The Razorbacks maintained control with Wagner and Fland in double figures, which Kansas couldn’t consistently counter.
Razorbacks’ Defense Overpowers Kansas in Second Half
The second half kicked off with Arkansas maintaining a steady lead, outscoring Kansas thanks to their physical defense and smooth offensive plays. The Razorbacks capitalized on Kansas’ inability to adapt, especially when it came to converting open looks. At the end of the third quarter, Arkansas held a 65-50 lead, solidifying their control.
By the fourth quarter, Kansas still showed some fight, notably in second-chance points where they led 13-6. Yet, even with the Jayhawks hustling on rebounds, they couldn’t match Arkansas’ defensive plays or capitalize on offensive chances. Coach Bill Self will likely be reviewing Kansas’ 11 turnovers compared to Arkansas’ seven, especially with the Razorbacks scoring consistently off these mistakes.
Final Takeaways and Next Steps
Friday night’s exhibition highlighted strengths and exposed areas for growth for both teams. Kansas saw promising moments from new talent, with freshmen Passmore and Bidunga stepping up under pressure. Arkansas, meanwhile, showcased a balanced scoring lineup with D.J. Wagner, Boogie Fland, and Zvonimir Ivisic all contributing solid numbers.
- Top Scorers:
- Arkansas: D.J. Wagner with 17 points
- Kansas: Dajuan Harris Jr. with 13 points
As the Jayhawks regroup, they’ll likely work on refining offensive execution and addressing defensive gaps to maintain their No. 1 ranking. Arkansas, riding high after this win, demonstrated they are well-prepared for a competitive season under new head coach John Calipari.
