Melvin Council Jr. delivered a stunning performance for No. 19 Kansas against NC State, scoring a career-high 36 points and sinking nine 3-pointers in a thrilling 77-76 overtime victory. This was especially vital as freshman star Darryn Peterson exited the game late in regulation due to a recurring hamstring issue.
Council's Unbelievable Outburst
Coach Bill Self lauded Council's performance as one of the best he's witnessed on the road in his 23 years at Kansas, emphasizing Council's ability to make difficult shots and carry the team. Council, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, had been averaging 10.7 points in his first 10 games for the Jayhawks.
The most remarkable aspect of Council's performance was his accuracy from beyond the arc. Prior to this game, he had only made 27.3% of his 3-pointers in Division I. NC State, aware of this statistic, initially left him unguarded on the wings, a strategy Council had experienced even in practice. Encouraged by coaches and even former KU star Mario Chalmers, Council embraced the open looks and found his rhythm.
Game Dynamics and Key Moments
In the first half, NC State defenders often sagged into the paint when Council had the ball on the wing, daring him to shoot. He capitalized on this strategy, making his first 3-pointer early in the game and hitting four within the first 15 minutes, matching his previous career high. While NC State adjusted their defense, Council's confidence had already soared, leading to a performance that coach Wade believed Council would recount for years to come.
Council scored the final 13 points of regulation for Kansas, including three critical 3-pointers. He later hit a crucial 3-pointer off the dribble in overtime to give Kansas a 69-68 lead. He also assisted on Flory Bidunga's dunk with 51.9 seconds remaining in overtime, securing the Jayhawks' victory.
- Key Stats:
- 36 points (career high)
- 9 3-pointers (career high)
- 7 rebounds
- 4 assists
- 43 minutes played
- Shooting:
- 13 of 27 overall
- 9 of 15 from 3-point range
Council's performance places him among the elite Kansas players in recent history. He became only the fourth KU player since 1996-97 to score at least 36 points in a road game. His nine 3-pointers are the second-most in program history, only surpassed by Terry Brown's 11 against NC State in 1991.
FAQs
What contributed to Melvin Council Jr.'s sudden scoring outburst against NC State?
NC State initially left Council unguarded on the wings due to his previous lower 3-point shooting percentage. This strategy, combined with encouragement from coaches and former players, allowed him to find his rhythm and confidence.
How significant was Melvin Council Jr.'s performance in Kansas basketball history?
Council's nine 3-pointers are the second-most in a single game in KU history, only behind Terry Brown's 11 in 1991. He also became only the fourth KU player since 1996-97 to score at least 36 points in a road game.
What was the final score of the Kansas vs NC State game, and what was the impact of Darryn Peterson's injury?
Kansas won against NC State with a final score of 77-76 in overtime. Freshman star Darryn Peterson's injury, which forced him to exit the game late in regulation, made Council's performance even more crucial for the Jayhawks' victory.
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