Hunter Dickinson’s Ejection Overshadows Kansas’ Victory Against Duke
In a thrilling matchup between No. 1 Kansas and No. 11 Duke, the Jayhawks emerged victorious with a 75-72 win despite the controversial ejection of their star center, Hunter Dickinson.
The game, which took place in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, was marked by intense competition and dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Incident
With 10:26 left in the second half and Kansas leading 57-55, Dickinson was involved in a pivotal moment that changed the course of the game. After missing a short jump hook over Duke’s Maliq Brown, both players fell to the court while fighting for the rebound. In the ensuing scramble, Dickinson kicked out and touched Brown’s face.
After a lengthy review by the officials, Dickinson was assessed a flagrant foul two and ejected from the game. The Kansas center had contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists before his early exit.
Kansas’ Resilience
Despite losing their star player, the Jayhawks showcased remarkable resilience:
- Balanced Scoring: Four Kansas players scored in double digits, with Dajuan Harris Jr. leading the team with 14 points.
- Defensive Masterclass: The Jayhawks effectively contained Duke’s freshman sensation, Cooper Flagg, limiting him to just 13 points and forcing him into four turnovers.
- Clutch Performance: In the final seconds, Kansas defenders forced a crucial turnover, and Rylan Griffen sealed the victory with two free throws.
Key Performances
Several players stepped up for Kansas in Dickinson’s absence:
- KJ Adams Jr.: The senior forward delivered his best game of the season, providing stellar defense against Flagg and contributing 8 points, three assists, three blocks, and three steals.
- Rylan Griffen: The transfer guard came through in the clutch, scoring crucial points late in the game.
- Flory Bidunga: The freshman center filled in admirably for Dickinson, finishing with 6 points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes.
Duke’s Effort
The Blue Devils fought hard throughout the game:
- Tyrese Proctor: Led Duke with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Cooper Flagg: Despite being held in check for much of the game, the freshman phenom finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Implications
This victory solidifies Kansas’ position as the top-ranked team in the nation and marks their second win over a top-11 opponent this season. Duke’s loss highlights areas for improvement but also demonstrates their ability to compete with elite teams.
As the college basketball season progresses, both teams will look to build on this high-intensity matchup. Kansas will aim to maintain its momentum, while Duke will seek to learn from this experience and refine its game plan for future challenges.