22 March 2024
SALT LAKE CITY (KSNT) – Kansas men’s basketball opened the 2024 NCAA tournament as a four-seed, facing off against 13-seed Samford in Salt Lake City.
Without Kevin McCullar Jr. on the floor, the Jayhawks were still able to muster up as much as a 22-point lead. Despite a late comeback from the Bulldogs, the Jayhawks were able to prevail, 93-89 to advance to the Round of 32.
The first half was free scoring for Bill Self’s squad. A Hunter Dickinson jumper with 24 seconds to go gave Kansas a 48-38 halftime lead. Ten points and boards meant Dickinson recorded a first half double-double against the undersized Bulldogs at the break.
In the second half, scoring continued. A dunk from K.J. Adams Jr. with 16 minutes to play gave Kansas its largest lead at 63-41.
From there, Samford slowly but surely started a comeback. With 5 minutes to go, a Bulldog layup cut the Jayhawk lead to just one point.
The two went back-and-forth from there, with Kansas ending the game on top 93-89.
Kansas was led by Adams Jr.’s 20 points and Dickinson’s 19 points and 20 rebounds as all five starters scored in double digits.
The win improves Kansas’ record to 23-10. The Jayhawks will play five-seed Gonzaga on Saturday in the Round of 32.