Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) reacts with his teammates as he walks to the bench during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023,
Brushing fingertips across the echoes of energy buzzing at Assembly Hall, Indiana, we dive into an exhilarating story of resilience and survival in the world of college basketball. This past Saturday, No. 2 Kansas wasn't ready to be written off, not without a fight, not without a victorious roar echoing in its wake. The Jayhawks, with their wings of glory, danced to the thrilling tune of a 75-71 win against the Hoosiers.
The battle began with the Jayhawks, spearheaded by Kevin McCullar Jr. and Hunter Dickinson, being down, their grit tested by an imposing 13-point deficit. However, they didn’t let that gnaw at their ambitions. McCullar Jr., determined not to be eclipsed in this battle of wits and wills, mustered a heroic 21 points, including four precious free throws in the finale's minute. Dickinson, on the other hand, defended the honor of his team with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
The turning point in this gusty play was when Dickinson made a pivotal score in the post, catapulting the Jayhawks into their first lead at 62-61 with a tantalizing 4:53 to spare, signifying the dawn of the Kansas comeback. A critical spinning bank shot from Dajuan Harris Jr. added to the drama, pushing the Kansas lead to 71-66 as the clock taunted with a dwindling 1:11 reminder.
Indiana was not bereft of its own warriors. Trey Galloway gave a commendable performance, with a career-high 28 points. His brave 3-point make gave the Hoosiers a much-needed lifeline, but a missed off-balance 3 proved costly.
Kansas forward K.J. Adams Jr. (24) shoots while being defended by Indiana forward Malik Reneau (5) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) reacts with his teammates as he walks to the bench during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Kansas head coach Bill Self gestures during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) shoots while being defended by Kansas forward Parker Braun (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana head coach Mike Woodson reacts to action on the floor during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana guard Trey Galloway (32) drives around the defense of Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr., right, en route to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) is defended by Kansas guard Kevin McCullar Jr., left, as he drives along the baseline during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Kansas guard Jamari McDowell (11) makes a move along the baseline during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)Indiana forward Malik Reneau (5) attempts to score while being defended by Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
McCullar Jr., displaying nerves of steel, knocked down two free throws, widening the gap to 73-69. Despite a pressing attempt from Kel’el Ware, McCullar's superb form at the line persisted, and he annexed two more points to Kennedy's win column.
However, the Hoosiers fought valiantly without their starting point guard and third-leading scorer Xavier Johnson, who sat out due to a lower-body injury. Their mettle was visible in the relentless charge of Malik Reneau and Mackenzie Mbako, who dished out 14 and 13 points respectively.
In this mighty duel of the blueblood programs, Kansas emerged victorious, despite carrying the weight of their first true road game of the season, proving their new-look identity revolved around Dickinson. They held high their banner of fortitude, outmaneuvering the Hoosiers with sheer poise and execution down the stretch.
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