Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Darryn Peterson delivered when it mattered most, helping No. 11 Kansas beat No. 13 Texas Tech 64-61 on Monday night. The standout freshman scored 19 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the final minute, to secure the Jayhawks’ sixth straight victory.
“This is the first game I got through to the end,” Peterson said. “I’ve been trying to all year, so to finally be able to do it, it’s a blessing.”
Peterson played a season-high 35 minutes, though most of his points came in the closing moments. His first 3-pointer tied the game at 61 with 1:20 left, and his second from the left wing with 44 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winner.
Earlier in the week, Peterson scored 18 points in the first half against BYU but missed the final 16:46 due to cramping. He has battled multiple injuries this season, including ankle, hamstring, and calf issues, causing him to miss 10 games.
Kansas coach Bill Self praised Peterson’s ability to perform under pressure. “He’s got something that you’re born with. An unbelievable ability to raise his level when it counts the most. Those two plays he made were obviously the biggest plays of the game for us,” Self said.
Peterson’s confidence came from his preparation and trust in his teammates. “Coach Self told me to go make a play. I had a bad game, shots weren’t really going, but I trusted the work, and those shots I feel like I should make,” he said.
The Jayhawks improved to 17-5 overall and 7-2 in the Big 12, while Texas Tech fell to 16-6 and 6-3 in conference play.
English
