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Darryn Peterson Scores 28 as Kansas Holds Off Cal Baptist to Reach Round of 32

Self questioned Kansas’ late-game offense following Peterson’s scoreless closing stretch.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks on during the first half of the game against the California Baptist Lancers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) controls the ball against California Baptist Lancers guard Jayden Jackson (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • No. 4 Kansas beat No. 13 California Baptist 68-60 at Viejas Arena to advance and will face St. John’s on Sunday.
  • The freshman missed his first six shots before finishing with a game-high 28, the most by a Jayhawk in an NCAA tournament debut since 1971.
  • Peterson did not attempt a shot in the final 4:18, and Bill Self said designed plays to free him were thwarted by face-guarding and miscues.
  • California Baptist, in its first NCAA tournament appearance, cut a 26-point deficit to six behind Dominique Daniels Jr.’s 25 points.
  • The performance fueled renewed talk of Peterson as a top 2026 NBA Draft prospect, and his postgame line—“I don’t ever say much, I just hoop”—went viral.