Tre White and Flory Bidunga’s Double-Doubles Ignite Kansas’ Stunning Triumph Over Syracuse at Players Era Tourney

When Kansas and Syracuse hit the court at the Players Era tournament, I gotta say, the Jayhawks showed some serious grit. Tre White wasn’t just playing—he dominated with 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Flory Bidunga slammed in a double-double with 13 points and 14 boards. Syracuse kept it tight, especially at 52-50, but then Kansas unleashed an 11-point surge that turned the tide completely. White’s three-point play and clutch free throws had the crowd buzzing, and Melvin Council Jr. drove through the defense to seal the deal. Kansas controlled the glass, outhustling Syracuse 49-29, despite coughing up 15 turnovers — but the Orange couldn’t capitalize, scoring just nine points off those mistakes. It was a hard-fought 71-60 victory that showed Kansas’ resilience and efficiency, especially from the charity stripe. This matchup had its twists and turns, with Syracuse struggling to find rhythm, shooting just 32% from the field and 7-of-30 from deep, while Kansas held firm and led 34-25 at the half. Honestly, this was a battle that reminded me why I love college hoops—the unpredictable energy, the skill, the pressure… all serving a feast of basketball drama. LEARN MORE

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tre White had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Flory Bidunga added 13 points and 14 boards, and Kansas beat Syracuse 71-60 on Tuesday at the Players Era tournament.

Syracuse was within 52-50 before Kansas scored 11 straight on layups and free throws to pull away. White completed a three-point play with 4:49 remaining in the second half and he added three free throws on Kansas’ next possession for a 60-50 lead. Melvin Council Jr. drove into the lane and made a contested shot in the lane to cap the run.

Council chipped in with 14 points and Bryson Tiller had 11 points and eight rebounds to help Kansas (5-2) outrebound the Orange 49-29. The Jayhawks turned it over 15 times, but Syracuse only scored nine points off them.

Tyler Betsey scored 12 points off the bench and J.J. Starling added 10 for Syracuse (4-2). Kiyan Anthony, playing in front of his dad — former Orange and NBA star Carmelo — went 2 of 12 from the field to finish with six points. Syracuse went 13 of 23 at the free-throw line, while Kansas made 18 of 20.

Kansas led 34-25 at halftime after holding Syracuse to 31% shooting.

The Orange finished 20 of 63 (32%) from the field, including 7 of 30 from distance.

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