In an exciting matchup at the Vegas Showdown, the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks triumphed over the No. 11 Duke Blue Devils with a close score of 75-72. The game took place at T-Mobile Arena, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
Kansas’s standout performance came from a number of players, with one athlete scoring 14 points and matching his season-high with nine assists. The team’s strong defense, particularly in ball screen situations, was pivotal to their success, as noted by head coach, who praised his players for their hustle and effective rebounding efforts. KJ Adams received special mention for his defensive work against Duke’s Cooper Flagg, contributing to the Jayhawks’ overall performance.
Duke’s Tyrese Proctor led his team with 15 points, while Cooper Flagg followed with 13. The game was tightly contested, with Kansas reclaiming the lead for good thanks to a jump shot from Mayo with just under two minutes remaining. Flagg managed to narrow the deficit with a free throw, but Kansas secured their victory with two foul shots in the closing seconds.
This win marks Kansas’s fourth victory in their last five encounters against Duke and the trend continues as nine of their last ten matchups have been decided by single-digit margins, signifying the fierce rivalry between the two powerhouses.
As the season progresses, Kansas, now standing at 6-0, is looking forward to their next game against Furman on November 30, potentially providing them with an opportunity to build on this momentum. Duke, currently 4-2, will face Seattle next Friday, aiming to bounce back after this close defeat.
The resilience shown by both teams highlights the competitive nature of college basketball this season, leaving fans optimistic for thrilling games ahead.