Kansas Holds Off North Carolina in Thrilling Finish

In an exhilarating clash on Friday night, the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks narrowly defeated the No. 9 North Carolina Tar Heels, 92-89, after nearly squandering a significant first-half advantage. Kansas star Hunter Dickinson put on an impressive performance, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, it was a nail-biting finish that saw the Tar Heels’ Elliot Cadeau miss a crucial 3-pointer just as time was about to expire.

Zeke Mayo added 21 points, while KJ Adams Jr. chipped in with 14 for the Jayhawks, who initially raced out to a dominant 49-29 lead in the first half, only to find themselves trailing 87-83 with 3:28 remaining in the game. Dickinson and Mayo responded swiftly, scoring vital baskets that tied the game at 89. Dickinson’s shot with 1:15 on the clock, along with a free throw just 12 seconds later, sealed a three-point cushion for Kansas.

Despite their efforts, North Carolina, now at 1-1 for the season, was unable to capitalize on their final possession. After a fast break, Cadeau attempted a contested three-pointer from the wing, but it fell short, preserving the Jayhawks’ victory.

Seth Trimble was the standout for the Tar Heels, leading his team with 19 points. RJ Davis supported with 16 points, while Cadeau contributed 12, but their combined efforts were not enough to overcome the initial deficit.

This game marked only the 13th meeting between the two storied programs, with the last encounter being in the 2022 national championship game, where Kansas overcame a 16-point challenge. Prior to this, their only campus match was in 1960, a game that saw the Tar Heels clinch victory in Allen Fieldhouse, aided by future Kansas coach Larry Brown.

The Jayhawks were determined from the outset, building an impressive 20-point lead in the first half. Nevertheless, the Tar Heels mounted a comeback in the second half, with Jae’Lyn Withers’ 3-pointer eventually putting North Carolina ahead 80-79 with just over seven minutes left. The rivalry intensified as both teams exchanged leads multiple times until Kansas finally settled the matter.

In their quest to stay competitive, North Carolina capitalized on opportunities to draw fouls, finishing an impressive 28 of 31 from the free-throw line. However, their inadequate scoring inside the paint proved costly.

Key events included Dickinson’s pivotal basket that restored the Jayhawks’ lead with 1:15 remaining, along with a vital free throw that necessitated a 3-pointer from the Tar Heels to force overtime. With a lead of 20 points quickly turned into a close contest, Kansas celebrated avoiding what could have been the most significant blown lead in their history.

Looking ahead, North Carolina is set to face American University next Friday night, while Kansas will take on Michigan State in Atlanta on Tuesday night.