There are nights in college basketball that feel scripted, even when everyone knows they are not. Tuesday in Lawrence was one of those nights.
The Kansas Jayhawks trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs, looked out of sync defensively, and appeared headed for another frustrating Big 12 result. TCU was confident, shooting well, and playing like a team ready to steal a road win.
Then the clock dipped under five minutes, and everything changed.
When Allen Fieldhouse Tilted the Game
Kansas did not flip the game with one shot or one stop. It happened possession by possession. A defensive stand here. A quick bucket there. Missed free throws from TCU. The crowd sensing something before the players fully did.
Suddenly, a 16-point gap felt manageable. Then it felt small.
Flory Bidunga’s late tip-in cut the deficit to three with just seconds left, setting up a frantic finish. Moments later, a turnover gave Kansas one last chance. The ball found Darryn Peterson well beyond the arc, where he was fouled on a desperation attempt.
Three free throws. No hesitation. All net.
Allen Fieldhouse exploded as regulation ended tied, and the energy inside the building shifted completely.
Overtime Was All Kansas
Once the game reached overtime, it felt like Kansas had already won it emotionally. The Jayhawks played loose and confident, while TCU looked like it was still processing how regulation slipped away.
Kansas never trailed in the extra period. Melvin Council Jr. took over offensively, scoring nine of his 18 points in overtime. The Jayhawks attacked the rim, drew fouls, and calmly knocked down free throws when it mattered most.
Kansas finished overtime 9-for-11 at the line. TCU managed just two made free throws.
The final score read 104–100, but the gap felt wider given how firmly Kansas controlled the final five minutes.
A Night That Will Stick With This Season
Peterson finished with 32 points in a performance that will be replayed all season. Tre White added 22, Bidunga chipped in 16, and Kansas showed the kind of balance that tends to matter in March.
TCU got a career night from Liutauras Lelevicius, who scored 23 points and hit five threes, but this game will be remembered for what the Horned Frogs could not quite finish.
For Kansas, this was more than a win. It was a reminder of what makes games inside Allen Fieldhouse so unforgiving for opponents. Even when things look bleak, the margin for error never disappears.
Some wins count more than one in the standings. This felt like one of them.