Kansas Triumphs Over Duke in High-Stakes Thriller Despite Dickinson's Ejection

Hunter Dickinson played a physical game against Cooper Flagg and Duke before his second-half ejection. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

In a riveting clash of college basketball titans, No. 1 Kansas outlasted No. 11 Duke in a 75-72 nail-biter on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks showcased resilience, overcoming the ejection of their star center Hunter Dickinson and weathering multiple Duke runs to secure their second victory over a top-11 opponent this season.

Early Kansas Dominance and Duke’s Counterpunch

Kansas came out strong, launching to a 16-3 lead behind stifling defense and efficient offense. Senior forward KJ Adams Jr. set the tone defensively, limiting Duke’s freshman phenom Cooper Flagg to just two first-half points. However, the Blue Devils clawed back, narrowing the gap to 41-39 at halftime, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Tyrese Proctor.

Duke claimed its first lead since the opening minutes early in the second half, but Kansas responded with a 9-0 run to regain control at 50-42. The back-and-forth battle continued as Duke surged with a 15-7 run to tie the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Dickinson’s Ejection Alters Game’s Dynamics

The game’s pivotal moment came midway through the second half when Dickinson, battling for an offensive rebound, was undercut by Duke’s Maliq Brown. While on the floor, Dickinson’s inadvertent kick to Brown’s head resulted in a flagrant 2 foul and ejection. This decision left Kansas without its All-America center, who had contributed 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Despite Dickinson’s departure, Kansas maintained composure. Rylan Griffen stepped up with a personal 6-0 run late in the game, propelling the Jayhawks to a 71-67 lead. Though Duke tied the game at 71-71, Kansas never relinquished control.

Clutch Plays Seal Kansas Victory

With seconds remaining, Duke’s Kon Knueppel turned the ball over under defensive pressure from Kansas. Griffen capitalized by sinking two critical free throws, extending the lead to 75-72. Knueppel’s last-second three-point attempt fell short, sealing the win for the Jayhawks.

Balanced Contributions Propel Kansas

Kansas’ offensive balance was key, with Dajuan Harris Jr. leading the way with 14 points. Adams delivered a stellar defensive performance, adding eight points, three assists, three steals, and three blocks. The team’s shooting efficiency (49.1% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range) and near-perfect free-throw shooting (11 of 12) highlighted their disciplined execution.

For Duke, Proctor led with 15 points and six rebounds, while Flagg contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists. However, Flagg’s four turnovers, including a crucial one in the final minute, underscored the challenges Duke faced against Kansas’ tenacious defense.

Jayhawks’ Impressive Start to the Season

Kansas improved to 6-0, solidifying their status as a top contender. This victory, combined with their earlier win over then-No. 9 North Carolina, demonstrates the team’s ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. The Jayhawks’ poise without Dickinson in the clutch moments of this game serves as a testament to their depth and determination.

For Duke, the close loss highlighted their potential but also exposed areas for growth, particularly in handling elite defensive pressure. Both teams leave this marquee matchup with valuable experience as they look ahead to the rest of the season.