Bill Self in awe of Darrin Peterson in the clutch against Texas Tech

Kansas basketball continues to shape the Big 12 race through poise, execution and confidence in youth. Bill SelfPostgame user comments following Monday night’s Kansas vs. Texas Tech thriller highlighted Darrin Peterson’s clutch play and how raised by Jayhawks during a critical road test.

Self watched his No. 11 Jayhawks erase a late deficit to defeat the No. 13 Red Raiders 64–61 on the home court at United Supermarkets Arena. The win pushed Kansas to 17–5 overall and 7–2 in Big 12 play on the season while extending its winning streak to six games.

Kansas trailed 59–50 with just under six minutes remaining and struggled offensively for most of the game. Texas Tech controlled the tempo, but the Jayhawks clamped down defensively and limited the Red Raiders to one field goal on their last 12 attempts.

Peterson did not make a field goal in the second half until the final minutes. With 1:20 remaining, he went for a tough 3-pointer to tie the game at 61, silencing the crowd and resetting the game.

After the game, Sam Lance of The Field of 68 shared Self’s postgame radio reaction on his X (formerly known as Twitter), capturing the coach’s answer to the star freshman late heroics.

“Those first 3 that DP made—wow.

But damn, with the game on the line, those last two plays he made — those are things you’ll be talking about for years to come.”

Peterson passed the ball again with 44 seconds left, drilling another three to give Kansas its first lead since the start of the half. The Jayhawks closed on a 14–2 run and held on through a chaotic final stretch.

For Kansas, the outcome bolstered its confidence in Peterson in high-leverage moments. For Sebe, the praise had weight. Freshmen rarely earn that level of approval, especially after struggling. in Lubbock, Peterson scored more than a goal— affirmed a belief, changed the Big 12 race and created a moment Kansas basketball will revisit for years to come.