Peterson scores 21 points in 22 minutes in debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) – Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 21 points in 22 minutes in his debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51 in the season opener for both teams Monday night.

Peterson shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 3 of 7 from 3-point range, before sitting out most of the second half.

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Kansas’ Flory Bidunga led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 sniping from the line. Melvin Council added 10 points for Kansas, which was 33 of 58 from the field (56.9 percent).

Green Bay was led by Marcus Hall’s 17 points.

The Jayhawks, who led by 21 points at the break, ended any thoughts of a Green Bay comeback by scoring the first seven points of the second half. The Jayhawks increased their lead throughout the second half and their final margin of 43 points was the largest of the game.

Peterson made an impact early. His first bucket, a 3-pointer from the top of the key at 18:31, put Kansas in front and the Jayhawks never looked back. He also had two interceptions before the first media timeout. He finished the first half with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

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Bidunga picked up his second foul with 6:44 remaining, earning him a spot on the bench. He finished the half with 16 points. He was 6 for 6 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line.

The Jayhawks were 17 of 29 from the field in the first half and missed 11 of their 14 3-point attempts. They still led 48-27 at intermission.

Green Bay was led by CJ O’Hara’s nine points before halftime. The Phoenix only made 34.6% of their shots.

To be continued

Green Bay: at Buffalo Friday.

Kansas: At No. 25 North Carolina on Friday.

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