A rivalry dormant for more than a decade returned with full force Saturday night as Kansas held off Missouri 82-77 in a back-and-forth border showdown that delivered the energy and intensity of March.
Kansas opened as if it had been waiting years for the renewal. The Jayhawks moved the ball crisply, attacked with pace and shot confidently, hitting 4 of 6 from 3-point range in the first half. Missouri countered with volume, making 6 of 14 from deep before the break, but Kansas created separation with defensive pressure and transition scoring.
Jaliya Davis and Elle Evans each scored 13 points in the first half, while Shannon Dowell added 10 to give Kansas a balanced start. Regan Williams contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists as the Jayhawks built a 10-point lead.
Missouri answered in the third quarter, opening on an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to one. Jordana Reisma sparked the surge with six quick points before foul trouble slowed her momentum. Still, the Tigers kept pushing. Dowell finished with 18 points and six rebounds, and Grace Slaughter added 16 points and seven boards as Missouri tied the game at 66.
Kansas responded with poise, attacking Missouri’s zone with patient ball movement and quick reversals. The Jayhawks built a 79-70 lead with three minutes remaining, delivering the decisive run.
Evans sealed the win with a standout performance, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Her 16th career 20-point game.
Rivalry restored and intensity renewed. An early-season reminder that both teams may be built for deep runs.
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