SPORTS

Kansas edges Cal Baptist to reach Round of 32

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San Diego — Kansas defeated California Baptist 68-60 on Friday in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64, with Darryn Peterson scoring 28 points to lead the Jayhawks. The game, played at Viejas Arena, marked Cal Baptist's first NCAA Tournament appearance and Kansas' 36th consecutive tournament entry. The Jayhawks' victory advances them to face No. 5 St. John's on Sunday; Kansas improved to 24-10 while Cal Baptist concluded its season. Cal Baptist mounted a second-half comeback led by Dominique Daniels' 25 points, but Kansas maintained the lead and secured the win late Friday evening.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Feb. 9, 2026: Kansas upset then-No. 1 Arizona during the regular season.
Late season 2026: Kansas lost five of nine games and Darryn Peterson missed multiple games.
Early March 2026: Kansas lost to Houston in the Big 12 tournament semifinal.
March 20, 2026: Kansas beat California Baptist 68-60 in the NCAA Round of 64 in San Diego.
March 22, 2026: Kansas scheduled to play No. 5 St. John's in the Round of 32.

Why This Matters to You

Kansas' win is a testament to resilience. Despite a rocky season and key player injuries, they've made it to the Round of 32. If you're a Jayhawks fan, this is a moment of pride. If you're a basketball enthusiast, it's a reminder that the game is full of surprises.

The Bottom Line

Kansas' journey to the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 has been anything but smooth. But they've shown that setbacks can be stepping stones to success. Worth forwarding if you know someone who needs a little inspiration from the world of sports.