The Kansas Jayhawks had to find a way to victory after their star player Hunter Dickinson, was ejected for kicking Duke’s Malik Brown in the head with over 10 minutes left in the second half. Despite that, the top-seeded Jayhawks found a way to beat No. 11 Duke 75-72 in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Hunter Dickinson was ejected after being assessed a flagrant 2 foul for kicking Maliq Brown. pic.twitter.com/lXR91RTiWX
— ESPN (@espn) November 27, 2024
“I didn’t think at the moment and nor now do I feel it a warranted a level-2,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “In my opinion, it’s probably a coin flip whether it’s a level-1 or a level-2.”
Kansas star center Dickinson, who entered the game averaging 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, had 11 points and 6 rebounds at the time of his ejection. From that point on, the Jayhawks rallied as a team. They took Duke’s best shot and was still able to overcome freshman phenom and projected No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Cooper Flagg, who scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half.
“Well, it’s been a hell of a trip for us, and I’m really proud of my team, proud of our guys. I thought we battled like crazy. Give Kansas credit, they’ve had a week off, you could tell, just the preparation, how ready they were right away to play, said Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer. I thought they were the best version of who they are. Their experience is legit, their talent, obviously coach Self, man, he’s one of the best. He’s done a terrific job always, so ton of respect for them and give them credit.”
Plant the Flagg
One thing that was certain, Kansas head coach Bill Self was going to force someone else from the Blue Devils to beat him besides Flagg. That became crystal clear as the game was winding down to the final minute. You saw Kansas throwing double teams at Flagg forcing other players to make plays. The plan worked as Kon Knueppel missed a game-tying 3-pointer that would have sent the game to overtime.
Fans reactions
Kon Kneuppel was this close to tying the game for Duke, but Kansas wins it. pic.twitter.com/4LddRHFPir
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 27, 2024
Hunter Dickinson just got ejected for a flagrant 2 against duke ????
Kansas leads 57-55 with still 10 minutes to play…
pic.twitter.com/6vnx7XiVK7— ???? DC Rising ???? (@DC__Rising) November 27, 2024
Duke fans could excuse Ls to top-tier opponents in Jon years 1 + 2. Those were talented but flawed Duke teams.
But this group has it all. Talent, depth, veterans. We competed w/ #1 KU all game. H-Dick's ejection gave us a clear path. We smoked it. Extremely frustrating.
— Crazie Talk (@crazietalker) November 27, 2024
Bad Call yes a Tech but and ejection is not needed…. No came to see officials KJ Time to step up this what SRs do… This will make Kansas better in the long run… Duke is good but want win ACC I see them going home 2nd round… Dickerson best big in the country
— Team Thrill (@powermove17u) November 27, 2024
Very disappointing game for Duke. Two bad starts to halves, Kansas loses its best player and Duke still couldn’t pull through. Not happy with that one at all. On to Auburn
— duke 2025 champs (@dukebluesamurai) November 27, 2024
what A Game what a Game.
Kansas looking tough
Could we have a repeat?
Will The Jay Hawk play The tarherls Like a drum.
Duke has its first lead of The Night pic.twitter.com/PM20wtsxT2— Cresent City. (@Dukepatriot50) November 27, 2024
The refs in Kansas Duke have been terrible! Flagg fouled Dickenson no call. Then an atrocious charge call against Duke. A clear Dickenson kick in the head to Brown of Duke. 1 for 3. For the record the announcers and camera crew should be reprimanded as well.
— The People’s Referee (@Keller14DU) November 27, 2024
What a shocker… Duke with a ridiculously favorable whistle.
Duke guy makes a dirty and dangerous play to undercut a Dickensen and he gets ejected for a weak retaliation.
Aminu Timberlake would like a word.
Can’t stand Kansas.
Can’t stand Duke worse.— Keith Griesser (@GriesserKeith) November 27, 2024
Update:
Duke is the biggest group of cowards I’ve ever seen on a basketball court.
Jon Scheyer looks like he is trying to solve a Rubiks cube on the sideline.
While Cooper Flagg turns the ball over more under a minute than Jaxson Dart
how do you not beat Kansas without…
— Gavin McHugh (@gavinmchughh) November 27, 2024
What a great game. Thought that Knueppel 3 was going in.
Duke will be insane in February. Those end of game situations will get figured out.
Kansas with a big win in Vegas facing some adversity after the Dickinson ejection.
Awesome game.
— Terrence Oglesby (@T_Oglesby22) November 27, 2024
Jayhawks survive! Another close loss for Duke that showcased some youthful decision making late.
Kansas got quality play from virtually everyone that saw minutes. Griffen hit some huge shots down the stretch, Adams and Bidunga made huge plays, too. Quality team win for KU
— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) November 27, 2024
Kansas’ experience won that game down the stretch. Despite being without Dickinson the last 10 minutes, Kansas’ veterans stepped up when needed.
Heartbreak for Duke, but this team is only going to get better over time. The inexperience hurt Duke down the stretch once again.
— Camden Gober (@CamdenGober) November 27, 2024
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
