Jayhawks Fall Short in Home Loss to Texas Tech

LAWRENCE, Kan. — In a nail-biter at Allen Fieldhouse, the Kansas Jayhawks lost to No. 10 Texas Tech, 78-73, on February 24, 2025, marking their third home loss of the season. Despite a commendable second-half effort, the Jayhawks fell short, plagued by late-game lapses that have hindered their performance throughout the season.

The Jayhawks, now 19-10 overall and 10-8 in Big 12 play, faced an 11-point deficit at halftime but rallied to take a lead late in the game. With the score tied at 73 and just 1:47 remaining, Texas Tech executed crucial plays that sealed the victory.

“We played well enough to win in a lot of ways, but once again we couldn’t finish down the stretch,” Kansas coach Bill Self said postgame. “Our defensive effort let us down at key moments.”

In a standout performance, KJ Adams recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. Despite public scrutiny, particularly directed towards his performance, Adams was vital in keeping his team competitive.

“We need to regroup quickly; we have a big game coming up against Houston,” Adams noted after the loss. “You can’t dwell on this. We have to move forward.”

Hunter Dickinson contributed significantly for the Jayhawks, although he appeared to be dealing with a wrist issue during the game. His defensive prowess and scoring, particularly under pressure, were critical to many of the Jayhawks’ scoring opportunities.

Rylan Griffen also stepped up, finishing with key plays that included a driving basket that tied the game at a pivotal moment. His assists have notably increased in recent games, pointing to his growing confidence as he finds ways to attack opposing defenses.

Yet, despite the crucial contributions, the Jayhawks faced challenges. Their bench provided minimal scoring, and they struggled defensively, particularly against the three-point line, as Texas Tech drained 15 threes during the game.

The Red Raiders’ offensive performance improved in the second half, leading to their late-game success. Coach Self expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to execute defensively, stating, “We’ve been a solid defensive team, but lapses like these can cost you.”

Now, Kansas must prepare for their next challenges, beginning with a road game against No. 4 Houston on February 26. Self emphasized the importance of focusing on what lies ahead during his press conference.

“It’s a tough conference, and days like this are part of it. We’re experienced enough to know how to bounce back,” Self said.

As the season winds down, the Jayhawks’ fate will depend on their ability to shake off this loss and perform against top-tier opponents in the Big 12.