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Kansas overcomes adversity in 75-72 victory over Duke
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Kansas overcomes adversity in 75-72 victory over Duke

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated Nov 27, 2024 8:23 PM ET

The Kansas Jayhawks had to find a way to victory after their star player Hunter Dickinson, was ejected for kicking Duke’s Malik Brown in the head with over 10 minutes left in the second half. Despite that, the top-seeded Jayhawks found a way to beat No. 11 Duke 75-72 in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

“I didn’t think at the moment and nor now do I feel it a warranted a level-2,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “In my opinion, it’s probably a coin flip whether it’s a level-1 or a level-2.”

Kansas star center Dickinson, who entered the game averaging 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, had 11 points and 6 rebounds at the time of his ejection. From that point on, the Jayhawks rallied as a team. They took Duke’s best shot and was still able to overcome freshman phenom and projected No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Cooper Flagg, who scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half.

“Well, it’s been a hell of a trip for us, and I’m really proud of my team, proud of our guys. I thought we battled like crazy. Give Kansas credit, they’ve had a week off, you could tell, just the preparation, how ready they were right away to play, said Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer. I thought they were the best version of who they are. Their experience is legit, their talent, obviously coach Self, man, he’s one of the best. He’s done a terrific job always, so ton of respect for them and give them credit.”

Plant the Flagg

One thing that was certain, Kansas head coach Bill Self was going to force someone else from the Blue Devils to beat him besides Flagg. That became crystal clear as the game was winding down to the final minute. You saw Kansas throwing double teams at Flagg forcing other players to make plays. The plan worked as Kon Knueppel missed a game-tying 3-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime.

Fans reactions

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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