Kansas Jayhawks Beat Missouri 80-60, Peterson Returns

Kansas City, Mo. - The No. 21 Kansas Jayhawks defeated their longtime rival, the Missouri Tigers, 80-60 on Sunday at T-Mobile Center, marking a strong return for star freshman guard Darryn Peterson after a monthlong absence due to a hamstring injury.

Peterson, a projected top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, scored 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 3 of 9 from three-point range, while adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes of play. He logged 17 minutes in the first half, helping Kansas build a 33-25 lead, before playing just six in the second as the Jayhawks pulled away. Battling flu-like symptoms that emerged in the days leading up to the game, Peterson received treatment on his leg from trainer Bill Cowgill late in the contest but reported no issues with his hamstring. Kansas coach Bill Self limited his time to preserve his energy in the lopsided victory.

The win improved Kansas to 7-3 on the season, while Missouri fell to 8-2. Four Kansas starters reached double figures in scoring, showcasing the team's balance. Forward Tre White led with 20 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double, crediting Peterson's presence for opening up the floor. "He...