Jayhawks Rally to Early Lead, Celebrate Lonborg’s Legacy with 96-64 Victory

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Jayhawks reasserted their dominance in the Big 12 with a convincing 96-64 victory against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Allen Fieldhouse. The win came after a challenging roadtrip and amid mounting criticism of the team following their recent performance.

Prior to the game, Kansas head coach Bill Self emphasized a fresh start for his players, marking a ‘new season’ following their struggles to an 8-7 Big 12 record. “The story hasn’t been written yet,” he remarked, highlighting that future success will hinge on how they perform in upcoming matches and the NCAA Tournament.

As unfazed critics anticipated the Jayhawks’ performance against a challenging Oklahoma State team, Self’s squad delivered assertively. Kansas jumped to an impressive 29-point lead by halftime, utilizing strong offensive plays and strategic defense, forcing 11 turnovers within the first half. The Jayhawks also made eight 3-pointers during this stretch, which showcased their offensive depth.

Hunter Dickinson spearheaded the effort for Kansas with a double-double, scoring 16 points and securing 11 rebounds. Zeke Mayo and David Coit matched him with 15 points each, helping the team shoot 14-for-30 from beyond the arc. Dajuan Harris Jr. also contributed with 14 points and recorded six steals, reflecting the Jayhawks’ pressure-driven defense.

For Oklahoma State, Bryce Thompson, a former Jayhawk, led his team with 21 points, but it was insufficient against a suddenly revitalized Kansas squad. The Cowboys, now 13-13 overall and 5-10 in Big 12 play, struggled to maintain momentum after starting the season with a disheartening 2-8 run.

The game coincided with a special ceremony honoring Kansas great Arthur “Dutch” Lonborg, whose No. 7 jersey was retired amidst tributes to his legacy. Lonborg, an All-American in 1919 and a prominent coach, was praised for his contributions to Kansas basketball. “I said, ‘Team, I’m out of options. Just go out there and win,’” Lynn Lonborg Loveland recounted regarding her grandfather’s resilience during tight matches.

In looking forward, the Jayhawks improved to 18-9 overall and 9-7 in the Big 12 as they gear up for an upcoming test against Colorado on Monday. With just five regular-season games left, the team is eager to carve out stability and continue momentum toward potential postseason success.