In a college basketball classic that came down to the final seconds, No. 1 Kansas secured a hard-fought 75-72 victory over No. 11 Duke in Las Vegas. The Tuesday night game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a star player’s ejection and a critical turnover with the game on the line. Rylan Griffen’s clutch free throws ultimately sealed the deal for the Jayhawks in this early-season heavyweight battle.
A Dramatic Finish Defines the Showdown
The game’s conclusion was pure chaos. With Duke trailing by a single point, freshman Kon Knueppel had the ball with a chance to win. However, a costly turnover gave possession back to Kansas with just 3.0 seconds left on the clock.
Kansas guard Rylan Griffen was fouled immediately and calmly stepped to the line, sinking both free throws to extend the lead to three. Duke had one final opportunity, but Knueppel’s last-second shot missed, allowing the Jayhawks to escape with the win. It was a heartbreaking end for the Blue Devils after a back-and-forth contest.
Dickinson’s Ejection Creates a Turning Point
The game took a sharp turn midway through the second half when Kansas star Hunter Dickinson was ejected. The incident occurred at the 10:26 mark after Dickinson got tangled up with Duke’s Maliq Brown and appeared to kick him while on the floor.
Dickinson’s exit was a massive blow for Kansas, as he had contributed 11 points in 22 minutes of play. In his absence, freshman Flory Bidunga was thrust into a major role. Bidunga rose to the occasion, providing a crucial six points and eight rebounds to help anchor the Jayhawks’ frontcourt. His performance was a key factor in Kansas maintaining its composure after losing its star center.
Kansas’ Balanced Offense Overcomes Duke’s Stars
While Duke relied on its stars, Kansas won with a deep, balanced attack. Point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. was the floor general, orchestrating the offense beautifully with 14 points and nine assists. He was a steadying presence all night.
Zeke Mayo also added 12 points for the Jayhawks. The team’s depth was on full display, with seven different players scoring at least six points. For Duke, freshman Cooper Flagg came alive in the second half, scoring 11 of his 13 points after halftime. Guard Tyrese Proctor led the Blue Devils with 15 points, but Kon Knueppel had a difficult shooting night, going 0-for-8 from three-point range.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Team | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Rebounds | Turnovers |
| Kansas | 48.3% | 38.1% | 75% | 35 | 12 |
| Duke | 45.6% | 33.3% | 70% | 34 | 14 |
Key Performances and Coaching Resilience
The game highlighted the importance of players stepping up in big moments. Both teams saw key contributions from their benches that kept the energy high.
- Maliq Brown (Duke): Despite being involved in the incident with Dickinson, Brown gave Duke a valuable spark off the bench with a dunk and a three-pointer.
- Flory Bidunga (Kansas): The freshman’s energy and presence in the paint after Dickinson’s ejection were critical for the Jayhawks down the stretch.
Kansas coach Bill Self praised his team’s ability to stay focused after losing a key player. He specifically pointed to the efforts of KJ Adams Jr., who played a vital role on both ends of the court. Self noted that Adams’ defense on Duke’s star freshman Cooper Flagg was a significant factor in the game’s outcome. This victory shows that Kansas has the depth and mental toughness to overcome adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Kansas vs. Duke game?
The final score was 75-72, with the No. 1 ranked Kansas Jayhawks defeating the No. 11 ranked Duke Blue Devils in Las Vegas.
Why was Hunter Dickinson ejected from the game?
Hunter Dickinson was ejected midway through the second half for a flagrant foul. He appeared to kick Duke’s Maliq Brown while Brown was on the ground after a play.
Who were the top scorers for each team?
Tyrese Proctor led Duke with 15 points. Dajuan Harris Jr. was the top scorer for Kansas with 14 points, and he also added nine assists.
How did the game end?
The game ended after Duke’s Kon Knueppel turned the ball over with 3.0 seconds left. Kansas’s Rylan Griffen then made two free throws, and Knueppel missed a final three-point attempt at the buzzer.
Which players stepped up for Kansas after Dickinson’s ejection?
Freshman Flory Bidunga played a crucial role after the ejection, contributing six points and eight rebounds. Coach Bill Self also praised KJ Adams Jr. for his defense and overall play.
