Eric Boggs 
Kansas and Duke
Top-ranked Kansas overcame the ejection of star center Hunter Dickinson to secure a 75-72 victory over No. 11 Duke in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday night. The Jayhawks improved to 6-0 with the win, their fourth in the last five meetings against the Blue Devils, while Duke fell to 4-2.
Dickinson, who came into the game averaging 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, was ejected with 10:26 remaining in the second half after receiving a flagrant 2 foul for kicking Duke’s Maliq Brown in the face during a scramble for a rebound. The incident, which occurred as both players fell to the floor, was reviewed extensively before officials made the decision.
“I thought it was a good call, but maybe a little severe,” Kansas coach Bill Self said of the flagrant 2. “It’ll probably be the best thing to happen to us because it’ll teach Hunter a good lesson and give some of the other kids confidence.”
Duke coach Jon Scheyer concurred, saying, “I think that warrants the flagrant 2. I haven’t had a closer look, but it seemed like the right call.”
At the time of Dickinson’s ejection, Kansas held a slim 57-55 lead. Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg capitalized on the absence of Dickinson, scoring six points in quick succession with two dunks, a layup, and a free throw. Flagg finished with 13 points, while Tyrese Proctor led Duke with 15.
Kansas responded with clutch performances from Zeke Mayo and Rylan Griffen. Mayo scored 12 points, including a jumper with 1:57 remaining to give Kansas a 73-71 lead. Griffen sealed the victory with two free throws with just two seconds left.
The Blue Devils had opportunities to tie or win in the final minute, but turnovers by Flagg and Kon Knueppel proved costly. Knueppel’s last-second three-point attempt missed, leaving Duke just short.
Despite Dickinson’s ejection, Kansas found contributions across the board. Dickinson had tallied 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists before his exit. In his absence, freshman center Flory Bidunga stepped up, recording six points, eight rebounds, and a crucial steal in the closing moments.
“I think he played really well,” senior forward KJ Adams Jr. said of Bidunga. “It’s amazing what he did out there, especially as a freshman in such a big game.”
Kansas also saw strong performances from Dajuan Harris, who scored a team-high 14 points, and AJ Storr, who added 11. Duke’s supporting cast included Knueppel with 11 points and Sion James with 10.
The victory could serve as a turning point for Kansas, showcasing the team’s resilience and depth without its All-American center. The Jayhawks will host Furman on Saturday, while Duke looks to bounce back against Seattle on Friday.
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