Darryn Peterson Lifts Kansas Over Texas Tech In Big 12 Thriller

The Big 12 Conference was treated to a nail-biter on February 2, 2026, as the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks stormed into United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, and handed the No. 11 Texas Tech Red Raiders their first home loss of the season. With a final score of 64-61, Kansas not only extended its Big 12 winning streak to six games but also showcased its resilience in the face of adversity, overcoming a late nine-point deficit to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Entering the contest, both teams boasted identical 16-5 overall records and 6-2 marks in conference play, making this matchup a pivotal one in the Big 12 standings. Texas Tech, undefeated at home (11-0) until this clash, had been pegged as a 4.5-point favorite by DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 155.5 points. The Red Raiders, however, would find themselves on the wrong end of a furious Kansas rally in the game’s closing minutes.

For much of the night, it looked as though Texas Tech would continue its dominance on home court. The Red Raiders built a nine-point cushion with just over six minutes left, and the raucous Lubbock crowd could sense another marquee win. LeJuan Watts was a force for the home side, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Donovan Atwell and Jaylen Petty chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. Texas Tech’s three-point shooting (12-for-34) kept Kansas at bay for long stretches, and the Red Raiders capitalized on a sluggish Jayhawks offense that struggled from deep (just 4-for-16 on threes).

Yet, basketball is a game of runs, and Kansas saved its best for last. Melvin Council Jr. was a steadying presence all night, leading the Jayhawks with 16 points and keeping them within striking distance even as the offense sputtered. But it was freshman sensation Darryn Peterson who seized the moment when it mattered most. With the Jayhawks trailing and the clock winding down, Peterson drilled a pair of clutch three-pointers in the final 80 seconds—none bigger than the go-ahead shot with less than a minute to play. That dagger put Kansas up 64-61, and the Jayhawks’ defense held firm through a chaotic final sequence to seal the win.

Peterson’s performance was nothing short of sensational. He finished with a team-high 19 points, including 11 in the first half, and his late-game heroics were the difference. As reported by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, "Peterson hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final 80 seconds of the game to give the Jayhawks the 64-61 win over the Red Raiders." His ability to deliver under pressure has quickly made him a household name in college basketball circles, and this game only added to his growing legend.

Coach Bill Self’s squad demonstrated remarkable poise, especially considering the hostile environment and a second half that, for a time, seemed to be slipping away. Kansas trailed by as many as seven points with just over four minutes left and had not led since holding a narrow 36-34 advantage earlier in the half. The Jayhawks’ offense sputtered—turnovers and missed threes plagued them—but their resolve never wavered. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, "Kansas hasn't led since it was up 36-34 earlier in the second half, and now is staring at a five-point deficit with a little more than four minutes remaining in regulation." Still, they found a way to claw back.

On the other side, Texas Tech was dealt a significant blow before tipoff when Christian Anderson, the team’s second-leading scorer and leader in assists, was ruled out. His absence forced the Red Raiders to adjust on the fly, and while they showed flashes of brilliance, they ultimately couldn’t close the deal. Anderson did emerge from the locker room before the second half but did not see action, leaving Texas Tech without one of its key playmakers.

The game was a rollercoaster from the opening tip. Texas Tech jumped out to an early lead, with Tyeree Bryan and JT Toppin contributing key buckets. Kansas countered, and by halftime, the Jayhawks held a slim 32-29 advantage, thanks in large part to Peterson’s offensive output. The second half saw momentum swing wildly—Texas Tech unleashed an 11-0 run to grab a six-point lead, and the Jayhawks went cold, failing to score for over two minutes. Defensive rebounding became a problem for Kansas, and turnovers continued to haunt them.

But just when it seemed the Red Raiders would pull away, Kansas steadied itself. Council Jr. and Peterson led the charge, with Council’s aggressive drives and Peterson’s timely shooting sparking a 14-2 run to close the game. The Jayhawks’ defense also tightened, contesting shots and forcing tough looks in the final possessions.

For Texas Tech, the loss stings—not only did it snap their perfect home record, but it also marked their second straight defeat after a five-game winning streak. The Red Raiders now sit at 16-6 overall and 6-3 in Big 12 play, and they’ll need to regroup quickly with another tough stretch of games ahead. Their upcoming schedule includes a trip to West Virginia and a home date with Colorado, both crucial for their conference hopes.

Kansas, meanwhile, continues to build momentum. Their recent run has included wins over Colorado, Kansas State, and BYU, and with this victory, they’ve firmly established themselves as one of the Big 12’s teams to beat. The Jayhawks’ road record improves to 4-3, and they’ll look to carry this confidence into their next matchup.

Looking at the bigger picture, this game highlighted the depth and unpredictability of Big 12 basketball. Even with top players sidelined and double-digit deficits, no lead is safe, and every possession matters. The Jayhawks’ ability to weather adversity and execute in crunch time sets them apart, while Texas Tech’s resilience—even in defeat—shows why they remain a formidable opponent.

As the dust settles in Lubbock, one thing is clear: the Big 12 race is far from decided, and nights like this remind fans why college basketball is so compelling. With Darryn Peterson’s star on the rise and Kansas surging, the road to the conference title promises plenty more drama. For now, the Jayhawks can savor a hard-fought win, while the Red Raiders regroup and look ahead to their next challenge.