Kansas Jayhawks Hold Off Oklahoma State Cowboys 81-69 Behind Darryn Peterson's 23 Points

The Kansas Jayhawks, led by Darryn Peterson's 23 points, controlled the tempo of the game from the outset, taking a 14-point lead into halftime with a 43-29 scoreline, capitalizing on Oklahoma State's struggles to contain their offense, which has averaged 72.6 points per game over their last 5 outings. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, had been averaging 79 points per game over their last 5, but their offense was stifled by Kansas's defense, which has allowed just 70.8 points per game during the same stretch. The Cowboys' 29 points in the first half were a far cry from their recent form, where they had scored 92 and 99 points in two of their last five games. Kansas's ability to limit Oklahoma State's scoring opportunities was a key factor in their victory, as they held the Cowboys to just 40% shooting from the field, including 3-for-14 from three-point range.

As the game progressed, Oklahoma State attempted to mount a comeback, with Parsa Fallah leading the charge with 21 points, but Kansas's offense continued to click, with Tre White and Elmarko Jackson contributing 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Jayhawks' balanced attack, which saw four players score in double figures, was too much for the Cowboys to handle, as they were unable to contain Kansas's shooters, who shot 51% from the field, including 7-for-17 from three-point range. Oklahoma State's recent trend of being outscored by 6.0 points per game over their last 5 outings continued, as they struggled to keep pace with Kansas's high-powered offense.

Darryn Peterson's performance was particularly impressive, as he hit several big shots to help Kansas maintain their lead, including a crucial three-pointer with just over 5 minutes remaining to put the Jayhawks up by 10. Peterson's ability to score from both inside and outside the arc was a key factor in Kansas's victory, as he shot 9-for-15 from the field, including 3-for-6 from three-point range. On the other hand, Oklahoma State's Anthony Roy, who had been averaging 14 points per game over his last 5 outings, was held to just 16 points on 6-for-15 shooting, as Kansas's defense was able to contain him for much of the game. Isaiah Coleman, who had been a key contributor for the Cowboys, was also held in check, scoring just 8 points on 3-for-9 shooting.

The CHD Scout had predicted a Kansas win by 8.4 points, and while the final margin was slightly larger, the prediction was still accurate.

The model's prediction was likely based on Kansas's strong defensive performance over their last 5 games, where they had allowed just 70.8 points per game, as well as Oklahoma State's struggles on the road, where they had lost 3 of their last 5 games. The Cowboys' inability to contain Kansas's offense, which has been one of the most potent in the country, was a key factor in the Jayhawks' victory. Kansas's recent form, which has seen them win 4 of their last 5 games, was also likely a factor in the model's prediction.

As the season enters its final stretch, this win could have real consequences for Kansas's tournament seeding, as they look to solidify their position as a top contender. With a 20-6 record and a 4-1 mark over their last 5 games, the Jayhawks are in a strong position to make a deep run in the tournament. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the tournament, as they have now lost 3 of their last 5 games and sit at 16-10 on the season.

This win could potentially lock up a top-3 seed for Kansas, depending on how the rest of the season plays out. The Jayhawks' Quad 1 win over Oklahoma State, which is ranked 73rd in the NET rankings, is a significant boost to their resume, and could help to separate them from other contenders in the conference. On the other hand, Oklahoma State's loss could put them on the bubble, as they have now dropped to 16-10 on the season and have a NET ranking of 73. The Cowboys must win several of their remaining games in order to feel secure about their tournament chances.

In terms of recent form, Kansas has been one of the hottest teams in the country, with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games, including wins over Arizona and BYU. The Jayhawks' ability to win on the road, where they have gone 7-3 on the season, is a key factor in their success, and matters as they enter the tournament. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, where they have gone 4-6 on the season, and must improve their performance away from home if they hope to make a push for the tournament.