On Tuesday night, the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks earned a dramatic 73-72 victory over No. 11 Duke, and it was a game that taught us a lot about this team.

Here’s what stood out.

One thing was clear: This Kansas team is not backing down. Even when the going got tough – especially after Hunter Dickinson left in the second half – the Jayhawks kept fighting.

While the game was in the balance, they showed great courage, stayed composed and finished the game strongly. Rylan Griffen’s nail-biting free throws sealed the victory with just seconds left, but the real takeaway was how this team pulled together and fought for every possession.

That kind of toughness will serve them well all season long.

Hunter Dickinson was a force in the first half. His size and skill were crucial on both defense and offense, and he helped Kansas control the paint.

But when he was sent off in the second half for a flagrant 2 foul, the game changed. Duke began attacking the rim more easily, and without Dickinson, Kansas struggled to keep up defensively.

His absence was a stark reminder of how important he is to this team. His leadership, rebounding and presence in the game are absolutely irreplaceable.

Despite all the drama, Kansas showed why it is one of the top teams in college basketball.

They have depth, talent and adaptability, making them serious candidates. With players like Dickinson, DaJuan Harris Jr. and others, the Jayhawks have proven they are up to any challenge.

Beating a top team like Duke in a neutral environment is no small feat, and it showed that Kansas has what it takes to be the best.

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