In a thrilling Midwest Region first-round clash at Salt Lake City, Hunter Dickinson’s stellar performance propelled Kansas to a hard-fought 93-89 victory over Samford on Thursday night. Despite a late push from the Bulldogs, Kansas managed to secure the win and advance to the next round, where they will face No. 5 Gonzaga.
Dickinson showcased his dominance on both ends of the court, registering an impressive stat line of 19 points, 20 rebounds, and four blocked shots. His contributions were instrumental in helping Kansas stave off an upset bid by Samford.
Alongside Dickinson, KJ Adams Jr. and Nicolas Timberlake delivered strong performances, contributing 20 and 19 points respectively. Johnny Furphy and Dajuan Harris Jr. also made significant contributions, with Furphy tallying 16 points and eight rebounds, while Harris added 13 points and seven assists.
Despite Kansas never trailing throughout the game and holding a commanding 22-point lead in the second half, Samford mounted a remarkable comeback effort. Led by Achor Achor’s 23 points and eight rebounds, and Jaden Campbell’s 18 points fueled by five three-pointers, the Bulldogs fought fiercely until the final buzzer.
However, Kansas managed to hold on to the lead in the closing moments of the game, with Timberlake sealing the victory with two crucial free throws. Despite controversy surrounding a late foul call, Kansas emerged victorious, securing their spot in the next round of the tournament.
Reflecting on the intense matchup, Kansas coach Bill Self commended Samford’s relentless pace, acknowledging the challenges posed by their style of play dubbed “Bucky Ball” in honor of Samford’s coach Bucky McMillan. Dickinson echoed Self’s sentiments, highlighting the resilience displayed by Kansas amidst Samford’s comeback attempt.
Kansas showcased impressive shooting efficiency throughout the game, shooting 60.3 percent from the field. Despite committing 18 turnovers, they managed to maintain their lead and emerge victorious. On the other hand, Samford displayed sharpshooting from beyond the arc, making 16 of 37 three-point attempts.
With the victory, Kansas advances to the next round of the tournament, aiming to continue their pursuit of championship glory. As March Madness unfolds, the Jayhawks will look to build on their resilience and momentum, prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead on their quest for success in the tournament.
