KU Blasts K-State 104-85 on Senior Day: Photo Gallery

LAWRENCE, Kansas – The University of Kansas Jayhawks secured a dominant 104-85 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Allen Fieldhouse. The win, fueled by a stellar performance from freshman Darryn Peterson and a poignant Senior Day celebration, clinched a double-bye for the Jayhawks in next week’s Big 12 conference tournament.

Peterson led all scorers with 27 points, shooting an efficient 10-for-15 from the field. The performance underscores his potential as a top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Senior guards Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. Also delivered memorable performances in their final game at Allen Fieldhouse, contributing 23 points and 17 points respectively, with Council adding eight rebounds and 10 assists – narrowly missing a triple-double.

The victory extends Kansas’ home win streak over Kansas State to 20 consecutive games. It also provides a much-needed confidence boost for the Jayhawks, who had previously lost four of their last six games. The final score reflects a commanding performance, with Kansas establishing control midway through the first half and maintaining a significant lead throughout the second.

While Kansas celebrated, Kansas State struggled to find its footing. P.J. Haggerty led the Wildcats with 21 points, followed by Nate Johnson with the same total, and Khamari McGriff with 15. However, their efforts were insufficient to overcome Kansas’ offensive firepower and strong defensive play.

Allen Fieldhouse, affectionately known as “The Phog,” played its traditional role as a formidable home court advantage. Opened in March 1955, the arena has become synonymous with Kansas basketball, hosting 37 NCAA Tournament games and serving as the home for legendary coaches and players. The arena underwent renovations during the 2024 offseason, adjusting its capacity to 15,300.

The atmosphere was particularly charged on Saturday due to the recognition of Kansas’ departing seniors. White, a transfer from Illinois, and Council, who arrived from St. Bonaventure, were honored alongside teammates Wilder Evers, Justin Cross, Jayden Dawson, and Nginyu Ngala. The pre-game ceremony and the players’ subsequent performances added an emotional layer to the victory.

Kansas head coach Bill Self was observed interacting with his senior players both during and after the game, acknowledging their contributions to the program. The team’s performance on Senior Day extended a tradition of winning on such occasions, marking the 43rd consecutive year Kansas has secured a victory on Senior Day.

The game’s momentum shifted decisively in Kansas’ favor during the first half, as they embarked on a nine-point scoring run to take command. This lead expanded to 46-33 by halftime, and continued to grow in the second half, despite attempts by Kansas State to close the gap. A late foul on Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, followed by a technical foul assessed against Kansas State’s C.J. Jones, further highlighted the Jayhawks’ dominance.

The win positions Kansas favorably heading into the Big 12 tournament. Securing a double-bye means the Jayhawks will advance to the tournament’s later rounds without having to play in the opening games, providing a valuable advantage as they pursue a conference championship and prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks now stand at 22-9 overall and 12-6 in Big 12 play.

Allen Fieldhouse, named after former player and coach Phog Allen, continues to be a central part of the University of Kansas’ athletic identity. The arena’s playing surface is officially named “James Naismith Court,” honoring the inventor of basketball who also served as the Jayhawks’ first coach from 1898 to 1907. Tours of the iconic venue are available, offering fans a glimpse into the history and traditions of Kansas basketball.