How Kansas Adapted Without Dickinson to Survive Duke’s Challenge

KyleMcCord

How Kansas Adapted Without Dickinson to Survive Duke’s ChallengeKansas’s ability to adapt without Hunter Dickinson proved crucial in their 78-75 victory over Duke. The Jayhawks found themselves in unfamiliar territory after Dickinson’s ejection early in the second half, but the team rallied behind a collective effort to secure the win.
The ejection was a significant blow, as Dickinson had been a key contributor throughout the game. Kansas head coach Bill Self quickly adjusted, opting for a smaller lineup to counter Duke’s physicality in the post. The decision paid off, as Kansas used speed and perimeter defense to disrupt Duke’s offense.
Harris Jr. emerged as the unsung hero, delivering clutch plays on both ends of the court. His ability to control the tempo and find open teammates was instrumental in keeping Kansas afloat. Meanwhile, McCullar provided much-needed scoring, hitting two critical three-pointers late in the game.
Duke exploited Dickinson’s absence by attacking the rim, but Kansas’s defensive rotations improved as the game progressed. Freshman center Ernest Udeh Jr. stepped in and held his own, recording three blocks and contesting several key shots in the final minutes.
The game highlighted the resilience of the Jayhawks, who proved they could adjust under pressure. “It wasn’t easy, but this team showed a lot of heart tonight,” said Self. “Losing Hunter hurt, but everyone stepped up when it mattered most.”
The victory keeps Kansas undefeated, but it also exposes areas for improvement. The team’s ability to adapt without Dickinson will be critical as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
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