Peterson Leads KU to 90-82 Victory Over No. 11 Louisville Exhibition
The Kansas Jayhawks secured a solid 90-82 victory against the No. 11 Louisville Cardinals in an exhibition game held on October 24, 2025. The match took place at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, and showcased the potential of the revamped Jayhawks roster.
Darryn Peterson Shines
Freshman guard Darryn Peterson led the Jayhawks with an impressive performance, scoring 26 points. His stellar first half included six 3-pointers, giving him 24 points by halftime. Despite cramping up later, Peterson’s initial impact was crucial in establishing a significant lead for his team.
Team Performance Overview
- Kansas Jayhawks: 90
- Louisville Cardinals: 82
Peterson was not the only player contributing to the win. Center Flory Bidunga added 14 points and six rebounds, despite being limited to 23 minutes due to foul trouble. Redshirt freshman Bryson Tiller also impressed with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks. Tre White contributed 14 points, while Melvin Council Jr. and Elmarko Jackson chipped in with 11 points each, highlighting a balanced scoring effort.
Game Breakdown
The game was characterized by a high number of fouls, with a total of 58 committed by both teams. Shooting was erratic; Louisville struggled significantly from beyond the arc, hitting only 11 of 38 attempts (28.9%). In contrast, Kansas managed a cooler 2-for-11 from three-point range, aside from Peterson’s contributions.
Key Game Moments
Early in the game, Kansas quickly took control. Peterson’s three early baskets and a 3-pointer from Jamari McDowell helped the Jayhawks jump to a 21-16 lead. Throughout the first half, Peterson consistently found ways to score, pushing the Kansas lead to 46-30 by halftime, taking advantage of Louisville’s poor shooting.
Second Half Highlights
As the second half started, Louisville attempted to stage a comeback, narrowing the Kansas lead to single digits at one point. However, timely scores from Tiller and White helped to keep the Jayhawks ahead. A pivotal corner 3-pointer from White in the final minute reestablished a firm lead, ultimately sealing the victory for Kansas.
Looking Ahead
The Jayhawks will return to action on October 28, 2025, against Fort Hays State in their second exhibition game. Coach Bill Self expressed satisfaction with the victory, noting how other players stepped up when Peterson was sidelined in the second half.
This exhibition showcased the depth and potential of the Kansas roster, setting a promising tone for the upcoming season.
