KU Triumphs in Louisville: Key Insights from Exhibition Victory

In a remarkable exhibition match held on October 24, 2025, the Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Louisville Cardinals 90-82 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This game showcased the potential of the Jayhawks, particularly their new guard Darryn Peterson, who played a crucial role in this preseason victory.

Key Performers in Kansas’ Victory

Darryn Peterson was the star of the night, contributing significantly to Kansas’ lead in the first half. His performance set a relaxed tone for the remainder of the game. Despite not scoring in the second half, his earlier efforts were critical in maintaining the team’s comfortable margin.

Emerging Talent: Bryson Tiller

Redshirt freshman Bryson Tiller, another standout player, showed impressive skills. He recorded pivotal blocked shots and handled lobs effectively, despite having faced surgery during the spring. Tiller’s performance alleviated concerns about the Jayhawks’ frontcourt depth following Flory Bidunga’s foul trouble throughout the match.

Flory Bidunga’s Fouls

Flory Bidunga put up 14 points and grabbed six rebounds but struggled with foul issues. He collected four fouls within the first five minutes of play, indicating a need for improvement as he enters the competitive season. This pattern could affect his influence as a crucial player for Kansas.

Notable Performances from Other Players

• Kohl Rosario: Although Rosario did not score, his energy was palpable. He demonstrated aggressive pursuit during the game, aiming for offensive rebounds.
• Jayden Dawson: After transferring from Loyola-Chicago and dealing with a knee injury, Dawson played limited minutes but showcased potential with one rebound and one block.
• Jamari McDowell: McDowell filled the backup wing role effectively, contributing to the team’s overall performance despite shooting difficulties.

Defensive Strategies Against Louisville

Throughout the game, Kansas emphasized its defensive strategy, effectively limiting Louisville’s shooting opportunities. Last season, Louisville averaged 28.5 three-point attempts per game, but struggled to find open shots against the Jayhawks. Kansas’ athleticism proved beneficial in frustrating their opponent’s offensive plays.

Looking Ahead

Kansas has one more exhibition game scheduled against Fort Hays State, where they will look to build on this solid performance. The team must continue to address their foul challenges and refine their depth as they prepare for the regular season.