Part 4/7:

Despite Kansas's historical prowess in basketball, they appeared initially overwhelmed. The Jayhawks found themselves in a significant hole, down by 24 points at one time. However, veteran leadership, notably from KJ Adams and Hunter Dickinson, sparked moments of resurgence. Their determination began to chip away at Missouri's lead as they fostered critical scoring runs to bring the game back within reach.

The Turning Tide

As the game progressed into the second half, both teams traded pivotal plays. Missouri’s seamless ball movement contrasted with Kansas's sporadic offensive efforts. Bates's momentum showed that they weren't conceding—stealing a ball and converting it into an and-one play emphasized their aggressive strategy.