The top-ranked Jayhawks jumped to an impressive 20-point lead in the first half, fueled by their standout All-American center Hunter Dickinson and a highly regarded group of transfer players. However, the ninth-ranked Tar Heels mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, spearheaded by All-American guard R.J. Davis and his backcourt companions. As the clock wound down at Allen Fieldhouse, North Carolina managed to take the lead.
Yet, as has often been the case at the Phog, the Jayhawks executed crucial plays down the stretch. Dickinson scored a critical go-ahead basket with just 1:15 remaining and added a free throw with 12 seconds left. The game concluded with North Carolina’s Elliot Cadeau missing a 3-pointer that would have tied the game, resulting in a thrilling 92-89 victory for the Jayhawks.
“Total class on both sides. It was cheer your team but don’t get after the other team,” commented Kansas head coach Bill Self, who achieved his 590th win, tying him with the school’s namesake, Phog Allen. “Even though we didn’t play our best, we found a way to win. I think it was a good game for both programs.”
High-profile performances were the hallmark of this latest rivalry installment, featuring two programs with a combined ten national championships. Zeke Mayo, a transfer from South Dakota State, stood out with 21 points for Kansas, followed closely by Dickinson, who contributed 20 points, and KJ Adams Jr. with 14 points. The Jayhawks (2-0) managed to stave off what could have been one of the biggest blown leads in school history.
From North Carolina (1-1), Seth Trimble was notable with 19 points, while Davis added 16 and Cadeau notched 12 points along with seven assists. The Tar Heels succeeded in making a comeback from a staggering 49-29 deficit, aided significantly by their impressive 28-for-31 performance at the free-throw line.
“Whenever you gather two outstanding programs with talented and competitive players, the intensity will always be there, whether in March or November,” stated North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “You step onto that court, see that crowd, and face Kansas. If you can’t get excited in this atmosphere against such a formidable team, something must be off.”
The historical context connecting North Carolina and Kansas—marked by notable matchups, five Final Four meetings, two national championships, and legendary coaches—cements their rivalry status. This was only the second game held on campus, and it took place over sixty years after Kansas coach Larry Brown led the Tar Heels to a win in the Phog. Despite the trend of conference expansions and interleague tournaments, another matchup is already scheduled for November 14, 2025, when the Jayhawks will visit Chapel Hill for the first time.
Until then, Kansas holds the bragging rights in a series now tied at six victories apiece. In a gripping game where the Jayhawks, having previously rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Tar Heels in the 2022 national championship game, began strong with a 15-3 run, they extended their lead to 20 points just before halftime.
The Tar Heels, while exceptional in their guard play, faced difficulties in the post, particularly against Dickinson and Adams, especially when their own big men fell into foul trouble. Key players Jalen Washington, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Ven-Allen Lubin each had to sit for extended stretches with two fouls, while Tyzhaun Claude accumulated three fouls within just over three minutes.
However, their return marked a shift, with North Carolina quickly making it a contest. The team’s backcourt talents, led by Davis, Cadeau, and Trimble, stole the show, but the big men also played a pivotal role in the comeback, particularly Withers, who scored back-to-back baskets to give the Tar Heels an 80-79 advantage with under eight minutes remaining.
From that point onward, both teams fought for control, with Washington’s basket propelling North Carolina to an 89-87 lead with two minutes to play. Mayo quickly countered for Kansas, and after a defensive stop, Dickinson delivered the decisive basket, followed by a successful free throw with 12 seconds left. This setup North Carolina for a last-ditch 3-point attempt, which bounced off the rim as the final whistle blew. The court erupted in celebration for the Jayhawks, a moment reminiscent of an NCAA Tournament victory.
“I wanted to play this game because my passion lies in basketball and competition,” Davis remarked, his voice hoarse from the intensity of the game. “They will come to our home next year. The game itself is what matters. I thrive on competition.”