#kansas

St. John’s Extends Lead Before Halftime in March Madness Clash with Kansas St. John’s took control of its NCAA Tournament matchup against No. 4 Kansas in the second round of March Madness, building a 34-26 halftime lead despite early struggles. The Red Storm, ranked No. 5, faced challenges in the first half, shooting just 29% from the field and enduring stretches where they missed multiple shots. However, Rick Pitino’s defensive strategies limited Kansas to 10-of-29 shooting and forced nine turnovers, which St. John’s converted into 12 points. The Jayhawks’ star freshman, Darryn Peterson, was held in check, scoring only three points after hitting two early 3-pointers. The game’s biggest disparity came from the 3-point line. Kansas attempted only six 3s, making two, while St. John’s hit 7-of-23. Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East Player of the Year, led the Red Storm with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the first round against Northern Iowa, but struggled in this matchup, scoring just two points on 1-of-5 shooting. Pitino acknowledged the challenge, telling reporters, “They don’t believe we can shoot, and we’re proving them right. We’re gonna keep shooting them until they go in.” Kansas faced its own struggles, particularly in the paint. Flory Bidunga, the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, was sidelined early in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. Without his presence, the Jayhawks struggled to find consistency, going more than four minutes without a point at one point. Despite a brief surge by Peterson, who hit back-to-back 3s after St. John’s opened the game with a 3-of-4 shooting run, the Red Storm maintained their lead. The matchup also highlighted the coaching rivalry between Pitino and Bill Self, two of the most successful coaches in college basketball history.#darryn_peterson #kansas #rick_pitino #st_john_s #flory_bidunga

This Kansas Freshman Is the Secret Weapon Bill Self Was Saving for March Kansas freshman Paul Mbiya made a significant impact in the Jayhawks’ NCAA Tournament opener against California Baptist, stepping into a pivotal role during key moments of the game. The 6-foot-10 big man, who had played just 77 minutes all season leading into the matchup, showcased his potential with a season-high eight points and a team-best +15 plus-minus. His contributions helped Kansas secure a 68-60 victory, marking a breakthrough for the young player. Mbiya’s performance was particularly notable for his composure and ability to adapt to the high-stakes environment. After entering the game as a substitute in the first half, he quickly made an impression with an alley-oop dunk and two second-chance points. Unlike previous appearances, where he struggled to adjust to the competition, Mbiya displayed a calm demeanor, executing plays with confidence. His ability to contest shots with his long 7-foot-7 wingspan became a key asset, as he stood tall to disrupt opponents’ attempts at the rim. The game also highlighted Mbiya’s value in the paint, where he was deployed to support Flory Bidunga. With Bryson Tiller’s minutes limited due to struggles on the boards, Mbiya’s physical presence became crucial. His size and reach allowed him to dominate the offensive glass, giving Kansas an edge in rebounding. Despite his rawness—such as occasional turnovers under pressure—Mbiya demonstrated flashes of skill, including a crafty up-and-under move for a layup in the second half. Mbiya’s physical tools set him apart in the tournament. His length and strength make him a formidable matchup for opponents, as he can contest shots without needing to close the gap.#kansas #bill_self #flory_bidunga #paul_mbiya #bryson_tiller

St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell faces off against Kansas in his sixth career matchup as the Jayhawks aim for a second-round berth SAN DIEGO — Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 forward for St. John’s, is preparing for his sixth game against Kansas, a matchup that carries significant weight for both teams. Mitchell, who previously played at Texas and Cincinnati, has a deep understanding of Kansas’ style of play, having faced the Jayhawks multiple times. His experience could be crucial as St. John’s seeks its first deep postseason run in 27 years. Mitchell, now a senior, has become a key player for the Red Storm, though his averages of 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds are modest compared to his past performances. However, teammates like Bryce Hopkins highlight his impact, noting his intelligence, unselfishness, and ability to create opportunities for the team. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without Dillon Mitchell,” Hopkins said, emphasizing his role in the team’s success. The matchup against Kansas is particularly challenging for St. John’s, as the Jayhawks’ physicality and pace have evolved since Mitchell’s last encounters. Kansas’ star guard Darryn Peterson, who scored 28 points in a recent win over Cal Baptist, poses a unique threat. Mitchell acknowledged Peterson’s NBA-level skills, describing his ability to score from all areas and draw fouls. “It’s NBA moves, pro moves that he does,” Mitchell said, underscoring the difficulty of containing him. St. John’s will need to counter Kansas’ big men, Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller, who are likely to match up against Mitchell and Ejiofor. Despite the challenges, Mitchell remains confident, citing his familiarity with Kansas’ strategies and the excitement of facing a familiar opponent.#darryn_peterson #kansas #st_john_s #dillon_mitchell #bryce_hopkins

March Madness Day 2 Recap: Game Highlights and Sweet 16 Outlooks The first round of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament concluded with 32 games, setting the stage for the Sweet 16. Here’s a breakdown of Day 2’s matchups, including how each team advanced and expert insights into their potential for deeper runs. (2) UConn 82, (15) Furman 71 The Huskies dominated Furman with a performance led by Tarris Reed Jr., who tallied 31 points and 27 rebounds. Reed’s 11 offensive rebounds, including critical grabs in the final moments, secured the win. Despite struggling from beyond the arc (5-of-25), UConn’s interior control and Reed’s dominance proved decisive. Furman’s Alex Wilkins and Tom House provided resistance, but UConn’s depth and Reed’s all-around game overwhelmed the Paladins. UConn’s next opponent is UCLA. The Huskies’ path to the Sweet 16 hinges on their ability to maintain rhythm and efficiency. With Reed’s 30-point, 20-rebound performance, plus contributions from Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Braylon Mullins, UConn remains a formidable force. However, the team’s recent turnover issues and reliance on Reed’s defense against potential NBA prospects like Tyler Bilodeau could pose challenges. (7) Miami 80, (10) Missouri 66 Miami’s 7-seed upset over Missouri showcased resilience. After Missouri briefly took the lead, Miami’s 11-0 run in the final minutes sealed the victory. Senior forward Malik Reneau, who scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half, was instrumental. The Hurricanes’ ability to adapt to a hostile environment and execute under pressure marked a key step in their tournament journey. Miami faces Purdue in the next round. Jai Lucas’s coaching has already transformed the program, but a Sweet 16 berth will require Malik Reneau to elevate his game.#miami #florida #uconn #ncaa_tournament #kansas

Darryn Peterson’s Struggles with Injuries and Doubt Define His Freshman Season Darryn Peterson’s freshman season at Kansas has been defined by inconsistency, injury, and a growing narrative questioning his commitment. The once-promising prospect, entering the year as a top NBA draft prospect, has faced a series of setbacks that have kept him sidelined and in doubt. From full-body cramps that forced him to the hospital to a string of injuries and early exits, Peterson’s journey has become a complex story of resilience and uncertainty. The turning point came in late December when Peterson collapsed during a routine practice, suffering from severe cramps that left him in excruciating pain. After receiving two IV bags of fluids at the hospital, he was left wondering what had caused the sudden breakdown. “It was a traumatic experience,” Peterson admitted, describing the incident as a moment that cast a shadow over his season. Since then, he has missed 11 games and left others early, often signaling to the bench mid-game as his legs failed him. The narrative around Peterson has shifted from high expectations to skepticism. Questions like “Does he care?” have followed him all season, fueled by his inconsistent performance and a series of setbacks. Injuries have played a major role: a bug in December, a sprained ankle in January, and flu-like symptoms in February that led to his disappearance from a game against Arizona. His struggles have raised doubts about his dedication, with some critics suggesting NBA teams might be wary of his commitment. Coach Bill Self, who has been a vocal supporter of Peterson, acknowledged the impact of the injuries on the player’s rhythm and confidence. “The stops and starts definitely impacted him,” Self said. “Conditioning, rhythm, team rhythm, a lot of things.#ncaa_tournament #darryn_peterson #kansas #bill_self #stephen_a_smith

Jayhawks will look to play tougher as they face Houston Kansas’ win over TCU on Thursday night was hardly a masterpiece. But what it can be for the Jayhawks in the very near future, as they turn their attention to Houston on Friday, is a “stepping stone,” as senior forward Tre White put it. “Houston kind of plays a similar way, creating havoc on defense, push it down your throat on offense, strong, tough, aggressive, and that was kind of how TCU played, so kudos to them,” White said. Those traits have indeed been the hallmarks of Houston teams under head coach Kelvin Sampson. This year’s Cougars, the second-best team in the Big 12, have been the best scoring defense in the country, ranking No. 3, and prolific at forcing turnovers (12.7 per game) while maintaining possession of the ball themselves (a mere 7.6). It’s all amounted to a top-five ranking for the Cougars, a 27-5 record on the season, and most recently a hard-fought 73-66 victory over No. 10 seed BYU on Thursday night. “They’re terrific defensively, they’re tough, their guards can get their own shots, and the biggest thing is they keep balls alive,” KU coach Bill Self said. “They don’t rebound all the balls cleanly, what they do is they do the best job of crashing and back-tapping and creating extra possessions that way. There’s a reason why they’ve been in the top five or seven every week of the season. They’re good, and of course they’re well drilled and extremely well coached.” In short, they are the sort of team against which the Jayhawks will need to be a lot tougher. “Just play even grittier, limit turnovers and offensive rebounds and just making the right adjustments on the fly,” Elmarko Jackson said.#kansas #bill_self #texas_church #tre_white #kelvin_sampson

Statewide Silver Alert Issued for Missing Salina Woman A statewide Silver Alert that was activated Thursday morning has been canceled after a missing woman from Salina was located safely in western Kansas. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed late Thursday that 75-year-old Yvonne Pereirra-Mcwhorter was found unharmed in Wakeeney, a town located 128 miles west of Salina along Interstate 70. Authorities initially reported that Pereirra-Mcwhorter’s whereabouts were unknown, prompting a public appeal for assistance in locating her. The Silver Alert, which had been active since Thursday morning, was officially canceled after her safe discovery. Pereirra-Mcwhorter was believed to be driving a blue 2025 Nissan Pathfinder with Texas license plates numbered 6YGPZ. Before her location was confirmed, she was last seen north of Norton on Thursday, March 12. Officials described her as a woman approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and was known to wear a medical identification bracelet. Additionally, she was observed wearing a splint on her right hand at the time of her last sighting. The incident highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the public in locating missing persons, particularly in cases involving individuals who may require immediate medical attention or assistance. Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading to her disappearance or the reason for her medical condition.#kansas #kansas_bureau_of_investigation #yvonne_pereirramcwhorter #salina #wakeeney

2026 NBA Mock Draft: BYU's AJ Dybantsa Goes No. 1 Ahead of Kansas' Darryn Peterson March Madness has arrived, offering the final opportunity for college basketball players to make an impression on NBA scouts before the 2026 draft. With the regular season concluded, the competition for the top pick remains fierce, centered around three standout prospects: AJ Dybantsa of BYU, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, and Cameron Boozer of Duke. Dybantsa, the leading scorer in college basketball, has emerged as the favorite for the No. 1 overall selection. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet, he combines athleticism, a refined offensive game, and improved passing and finishing skills. His ability to create his own shot and elevate his playmaking has solidified his status as a top-tier talent. However, questions about his consistency and leadership remain, though his production this season has addressed many concerns. Peterson, meanwhile, remains a strong contender despite lingering doubts about his durability. His versatility as a playmaker, shooter, and on-ball threat, paired with his backcourt size and length, makes him a valuable asset. Yet, his availability during the season has raised questions about his long-term reliability. If selected, he could thrive in a role alongside Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, where his offensive skills would complement the team’s dynamic backcourt. Boozer, the most impactful player in college basketball, faces skepticism about his ceiling. Despite his physicality, basketball IQ, and ability to elevate his team’s performance, many believe he may slip outside the top two. However, his track record of winning and lack of durability concerns position him as a strong candidate for a top-three pick.#aj_dybantsa #byu #darryn_peterson #cameron_boozers #kansas

Thunderstorms Return to Kansas as Weather Alert Continues A weather alert remains in effect for Friday as thunderstorms return to central and eastern Kansas, bringing potential hail and strong winds. The first wave of storms is expected to arrive shortly after midnight, with additional activity later in the evening. Conditions are projected to ease by midnight Friday night. While the primary focus is on storm activity in the eastern half of the state, fire hazards will be elevated in southwest Kansas during the afternoon. High temperatures will range from the 40s in the northwest to the 70s across central and eastern regions. Saturday will feature a cooldown, with much of the state experiencing temperatures in the 50s. A significant warming trend is anticipated for Sunday, with highs returning to near 70 degrees. Looking ahead, the week will start with sunny and warm conditions, but a strong cold front is expected to move in Tuesday evening. This will bring additional storms and a risk of severe weather to central and southern Kansas. Wichita's forecast details: Tonight will see showers and storms likely, with southeast winds gusting between 15-25 mph. The low will drop to 57 degrees. Tomorrow, skies will be cloudy early, transitioning to partly cloudy with evening storms. South winds will gust between 15-30 mph, with a high of 72 degrees. Tonight, storms will subside, followed by partly cloudy and breezy conditions. Southwest winds will gust between 15-25 mph, with a low of 35 degrees. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high of 57 degrees. Sunday will feature sunny skies and a high of 68 degrees, with a low of 32. Monday will bring sunny conditions and a high of 77 degrees, with a low of 48. Tuesday will see a high of 74 degrees and a low of 57, with mostly cloudy skies and evening storms.#thunderstorms #cold_front #kansas #weather_alert #wichita

Americans from Texas to Iowa face tornado threat Friday as spring storm season begins A growing concern is emerging as the first major storm system approaches the U.S. heartland, potentially bringing strong tornadoes to millions of people across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and neighboring states. The National Weather Service warned that scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late Thursday in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas. These storms could produce large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes, according to forecasters. The most intense storms are anticipated to form on Friday, targeting Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and nearby regions. Melissa Mayes, deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Oklahoma, noted that this event marks the beginning of the spring storm season, with people starting to take the threat more seriously. Over 6 million Americans are at the highest risk of severe weather on Friday, including major metropolitan areas like Kansas City, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. An additional 22 million people in areas such as St. Louis, Omaha, and Milwaukee are at a slightly lower risk. Meteorologists explained that the storm system is driven by a clash between warm air moving north from the Gulf Coast and colder air from Canada, which is carried by cold fronts. This setup is also expected to bring unusually warm temperatures to parts of the eastern U.S. by the weekend. Federal forecasters predicted temperatures could be 20-30 degrees above average, with 80s Fahrenheit reaching as far north as the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic regions. For example, Louisville, Kentucky, is forecast to hit 81 degrees Fahrenheit by Friday, while Atlanta could reach 82 degrees by Saturday. Washington, D.C.#oklahoma #texas #kansas #missouri #washington_county_emergency_management_agency

Severe Thunderstorms Expected Tonight and Friday Severe thunderstorms are possible tonight and Friday across parts of Nebraska and Kansas. The first round of storms is expected to impact Central and Eastern Nebraska, as well as Northern Kansas, from tonight through early Friday morning. A second round of thunderstorms is anticipated late Friday afternoon to late Friday evening, affecting South Central and Eastern Nebraska, along with North Central and Northeastern Kansas. Fog and drizzle may persist through much of the morning in Central and Eastern Nebraska and parts of Northern Kansas. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for these areas until 11 a.m. today, with visibility potentially dropping to less than a quarter of a mile. Fog is expected to clear by this afternoon, leading to mostly sunny or partly cloudy conditions with mild temperatures. Highs will range from the low 60s to low 70s, accompanied by southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are likely this evening through early Friday morning. Isolated severe thunderstorms could bring large hail as the primary threat, along with strong wind gusts. A cold front moving through the region on Friday will bring windy conditions. The chance of rain in the panhandle and parts of Northern and Western Nebraska may transition to snow and a wintry mix. Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible in South Central and Southeastern Nebraska, as well as North Central and Northeastern Kansas, from around 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms could develop, with large hail and damaging winds as the main threats. A few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Winds will remain strong Friday, with south winds shifting to northwest at 20 to 30 mph, gusting to 40 mph.#nebraska #cold_front #kansas #severe_thunderstorms #dense_fog_advisory

Bracketology: No. 1 Seeds Duke, Arizona Face Battles but Have Margin for Error in NCAA Tournament Projection Virginia and Kansas each have significant opportunities on Saturday to improve their NCAA Tournament seeding as the final day of February brings critical matchups with projected No. 1 seeds. The Cavaliers, ranked No. 3 in CBS Sports Bracketology, travel to Durham, N.C., to face Duke, while the Jayhawks, at No. 4, head to Tucson to challenge Arizona. A victory for either team could dramatically elevate their resume metrics and open new possibilities for higher seeds. Virginia, with a 25-3 record (13-2 in the ACC), is thriving under first-year coach Ryan Odom. However, their seeding has been limited by a relatively weak nonconference schedule, which ranks 211th in NET strength. Despite their strong record, the Cavaliers lack marquee wins needed to compete for a No. 2 seed. Beating Duke, a projected No. 1 team, would address this gap and potentially elevate their profile. For Kansas, defeating Arizona on the road could position them to secure a No. 3 or even a No. 2 seed. As the highest-ranked No. 4 seed in Bracketology, a win against a 9.5-point underdog Arizona team would likely boost their standing. The Jayhawks’ success in this matchup could also reshape the tournament landscape, particularly if they secure a strong victory. Duke and Arizona, both holding No. 1 seeds, have room for error in maintaining their top rankings. A loss on Saturday would not immediately jeopardize their status, as both teams have built substantial leads in key metrics used by the NCAA Tournament selection committee. However, Duke faces a challenge from Michigan, which secured an upset win over Illinois on Friday. This victory keeps Michigan in the race for the top seed, and a loss to Virginia could push the Wolverines back into the No. 1 spot.#arizona #duke #ncaa_tournament #virginia #kansas