Kansas’ Hunter Dickinson Ejected After Controversial Kick in Thrilling Win Over Duke
LAS VEGAS — The college basketball world was buzzing Tuesday night as the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks edged out the No. 11 Duke Blue Devils in a nail-biting 75-72 victory. But the game wasn’t just about the final score—it was also about the drama that unfolded on the court, particularly involving Kansas star center Hunter Dickinson.
In a moment that left fans, players, and coaches stunned, Dickinson was ejected in the second half after a controversial incident that saw him kick Duke’s Maliq Brown in the face. The incident occurred with 10:26 left in the game, and it completely shifted the energy in the T-Mobile Arena.
The Play That Shocked Everyone
Here’s how it all went down: Dickinson missed a short jump hook over Brown, and both players hit the floor while battling for the rebound. As the two scrambled on the court, Dickinson drew a foul on Brown. But what happened next was the real story. While still on the ground, Dickinson kicked out his leg, making contact with Brown’s face. The referees immediately stopped play, and after a lengthy monitor review, Dickinson was assessed a flagrant foul 2 and ejected from the game.
At the time of the ejection, Kansas was clinging to a narrow 57-55 lead. Dickinson, who had been a key contributor for the Jayhawks, was forced to leave the bench area and head to the locker room after initially staying with his teammates. The ejection left Kansas fans holding their breath, wondering if their team could hold on without their star big man.
How Did Dickinson Perform Before the Ejection?
Before his night ended early, Dickinson had put up a solid stat line: 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the 7-foot-2 center. He struggled to finish at the rim against the length and defensive presence of Brown and Duke’s Khaman Maluach. Coming into the game, Dickinson had been averaging an impressive 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, making his ejection even more significant for Kansas.
Stepping Up in Dickinson’s Absence
With Dickinson out, the pressure fell on Kansas’ backup center, freshman Flory Bidunga. The young big man had only played about eight minutes before Dickinson’s ejection, but he rose to the occasion when his team needed him most. Bidunga finished the game with six points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes, providing a crucial presence in the paint for the Jayhawks.
Key Takeaways from the Game
Here are some of the biggest storylines from this unforgettable matchup:
- Drama on the Court: Dickinson’s ejection was the turning point of the game, sparking debates about intent and sportsmanship.
- Resilience from Kansas: Despite losing their star player, the Jayhawks showed grit and determination to pull out the win.
- Freshman Stepping Up: Flory Bidunga’s performance under pressure was a bright spot for Kansas and a glimpse of his potential.
For Duke, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, but the Blue Devils proved they could hang with the nation’s top-ranked team. Maliq Brown and Khaman Maluach were defensive standouts, making life difficult for Dickinson and the rest of the Kansas frontcourt.
What’s Next for Kansas and Dickinson?
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Kansas to see how they handle the fallout from Dickinson’s ejection. Will there be further disciplinary action? How will this incident impact the team’s chemistry moving forward? These are questions that head coach Bill Self and his squad will need to address as they continue their quest for a national championship.
For Dickinson, the incident is sure to be a learning moment. The star center has been a dominant force for Kansas this season, but moments like these can define a player’s reputation. How he responds—both on and off the court—will be critical as the season progresses.
One thing is for sure: this game will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the drama, intensity, and controversy that unfolded under the bright lights of Las Vegas. College basketball fans, buckle up—this season is just getting started.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
