Jayhawks Make History: Self Clinches 800th Win as No. 1 Kansas Dominates UNCW
In a night of milestone achievements and impressive basketball, No. 1 Kansas secured a commanding 84-66 victory over UNC Wilmington, marking Coach Bill Self’s 800th career win at the historic Allen Fieldhouse.
The much-anticipated matchup began with both teams showing determination on the court. The Seahawks, fresh from their 3-0 start to the season, aimed to replicate their stunning upset of Kentucky last winter. However, the Jayhawks demonstrated why they currently hold the top spot in the national rankings.
Hunter Dickinson led the charge with a powerful double-double, posting 15 points and 15 rebounds. Dajuan Harris Jr. added 16 points to the scoreboard, helping the Jayhawks maintain their perfect 5-0 record this season.
The first half remained competitive, with Kansas holding a narrow 43-38 lead. However, the Jayhawks showcased their championship DNA early in the second half, launching a decisive 12-2 run that changed the game’s momentum.
For the Seahawks, Khamari McGriff stood out with 18 points, while Noah Ross contributed 10 points and came close to a double-double with nine rebounds. Despite their strong effort, UNCW couldn’t overcome Kansas’s second-half surge.
The game wasn’t without its concerns for Kansas fans. Freshman Flory Bidunga left the game in the first half with a right leg injury, raising questions about the team’s interior depth moving forward.
Notable Game Statistics:
- Kansas struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 6 of 25 from three-point range.
- The victory marked Kansas’s 18th straight nonconference home win.
- Allen Fieldhouse recorded its 372nd consecutive sellout.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenging matchups. The Jayhawks prepare for a highly anticipated showdown against No. 12 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday. Meanwhile, UNCW will look to bounce back when they face Colgate on November 27.
The game lived up to its billing as a historic matchup, being the first-ever meeting between these programs. While UNCW showed the same fighting spirit that led to their upset over Kentucky last season, Kansas’s depth and home-court advantage proved too much to overcome.
Season Context: Kansas entered the game with impressive victories over:
- Howard (87-57)
- UNC (92-89)
- Michigan State (77-69)
- Oakland (78-57)
UNCW’s strong start included wins against:
- Mount Olive (143-91)
- Georgia Southern (92-84)
- USC Upstate (89-85)
Broadcast Details: The historic matchup was available to fans through ESPN+, with Steven Davis handling play-by-play duties alongside analyst Nick Bahe. Local Wilmington supporters could tune in to 95.9 The Breeze for radio coverage.
This victory not only adds to Kansas’s impressive start to the season but also cements Coach Self’s legacy as one of college basketball’s greatest coaches. Both teams will remember this game as a significant milestone in college basketball history as they progress in their respective campaigns.