UCF led for more than 21 minutes, but the Jayhawks captured a narrow lead down the stretch. UCF had a chance to take the lead down one in the final seconds, but the Jayhawks got a stop. Adams and Mayo each sunk a pair of free throws in the last 10 seconds to secure the win.

The first Kansas men’s basketball game without Dajuan Harris Jr. in the lineup since March 7, 2020, featured some never-before-seen sets of five Jayhawks. As KU coach Bill Self searched for answers, there were groups without point guards.

Kansas basketball bounced back in a big way Tuesday night, holding off UCF for a 91-87 win at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks leaned on their veteran leaders, as Zeke Mayo and Hunter Dickinson each poured in 24 points to guide Kansas to a much-needed victory.