Full Breakdown
Kansas Jayhawks Dominate Fort Hays State in Final Exhibition Game
10/29/2025, 1:51:39 PM
Kansas Jayhawks Secure Historic Win
The Kansas Jayhawks concluded their exhibition schedule with a decisive 71-35 victory over Fort Hays State on October 28, 2025, at Allen Fieldhouse. This win marked the fewest points allowed by Kansas in an exhibition game, showcasing their defensive prowess. The Jayhawks played without freshman standout Darryn Peterson, who was sidelined due to a stomach bug and lingering cramping issues from a previous game against Louisville.
Key Performers and Game Dynamics
Melvin Council Jr. emerged as the standout player for Kansas, scoring 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting and contributing six assists. Tre White added 12 points, while Bryson Tiller scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Jayhawks struggled offensively at times, particularly in the first half, where they shot 47.4% from the field but only managed 26.7% from three-point range. Kansas held Fort Hays State to a mere 26.2% shooting, including just 1-of-19 from beyond the arc.
Coach Bill Self expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, stating, “I didn’t think it was great by any stretch. I thought we were dull, boring, not a lot of pace, energy, except for one guy, obviously, and he was really good.” Despite the victory, Self emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in offensive cohesion without Peterson.
Struggles Without Peterson
The absence of Peterson, who had previously scored 26 points against Louisville, was felt throughout the game. Kansas experienced several scoring droughts, particularly in the first half, where they went nearly four minutes without a point. Self noted, “Our bigs didn’t play big, and you can see we missed Darryn.” The team’s reliance on Council and White highlighted the need for additional offensive contributions from other players, especially as the regular season approaches.
Defensive Dominance
Kansas's defense was a significant factor in their victory. They limited Fort Hays State to only 35 points, the lowest total in the program's exhibition history. The Jayhawks' defensive strategy forced the Tigers into difficult shots and turnovers, allowing Kansas to maintain control throughout the game. Council remarked, “We can’t rely on Darryn. We’ve got to help him too,” indicating the team's collective responsibility in stepping up.
Looking Ahead
The Jayhawks will open their regular season against Green Bay on November 3, 2025. The upcoming game will be crucial for Kansas as they seek to establish their identity and improve their offensive performance, particularly in the absence of Peterson. Coach Self will need to address the offensive inconsistencies observed during the exhibition games to prepare for the challenges ahead in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought we were dull, boring, not a lot of pace, energy, except for one guy, obviously, and he was really good.” — Bill Self, Head Coach
- “It was great, but you guys can see we need Darryn. You know, he makes everything easy for us and stuff like that.” — Melvin Council Jr., Senior Guard
- “I feel like that’s our whole message for the year.” — Tre White, Senior Guard
Conclusion
Kansas's exhibition victory over Fort Hays State showcased their defensive capabilities but also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in offensive execution without their star player. As they prepare for the regular season, the Jayhawks will need to refine their strategies to ensure success against tougher competition.
