Kansas Holds Off Cal Baptist in First Round of March Madness
SAN DIEGO, CA – The fourth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks narrowly defeated the California Baptist Lancers 68-60 in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Friday night at Viejas Arena. Kansas, despite leading by as many as 26 points, faced a significant comeback attempt from Cal Baptist before securing the victory.
Game Recap
Darryn Peterson led the Jayhawks with 28 points, including four 3-pointers. Kansas built a substantial lead in the first half, but the Lancers, making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, refused to go quietly. California Baptist pulled within six points in the final minute, but Kansas managed to hold on for the win.
Key Players
- Darryn Peterson (Kansas): 28 points
- Dominique Daniels Jr. (Cal Baptist): 25 points
Cal Baptist’s Historic Tournament Debut
This year marked Cal Baptist’s first appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, having only moved to Division I athletics in 2018. Head coach Rick Croy has rapidly built the program into a competitive force within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Defensive Battle
Both teams entered the contest with strong defensive reputations. Kansas boasts a top-10 adjusted defensive efficiency, while Cal Baptist ranks 53rd nationally. The Lancers are particularly effective at limiting opponents’ 3-point shooting, holding teams to the second-lowest percentage in the country. This proved challenging for Kansas, which had been inconsistent from beyond the arc.
Dominique Daniels Jr.’s Performance
Cal Baptist’s star player, Dominique Daniels Jr., the WAC Player of the Year, delivered a strong performance with 25 points. The guard from Compton, California, nearly led the Lancers to a stunning upset in their tournament debut.
Kansas’ Tournament History
The Jayhawks had struggled in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, failing to advance past the first weekend since 2022. Last year, they were eliminated in the first round by Arkansas. This victory marks a step towards a deeper run in the tournament for Kansas.
Looking Ahead
Kansas will advance to the Round of 32, where they will await the winner of the St. John’s vs. Northern Iowa matchup. The game is scheduled for Sunday. Cal Baptist’s season concludes with a memorable first tournament appearance, showcasing the program’s rapid ascent in college basketball.