LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Only a dozen times in their storied history have North Carolina and Kansas met on the court.

They made sure that number 13 was memorable.

The top-ranked Jayhawks built a 20-point first-half lead Friday night, led by All-American center Hunter Dickinson and a highly touted transfer class. And the ninth-ranked Tar Heels mounted a huge comeback in the second half, led by All-American guard RJ Davis and the rest of their elite defense, and finally took the lead as time ran out at Allen Fieldhouse.

But just as they have done so many times at the Phog, the Jayhawks made the plays that ultimately mattered.

Dickinson scored the go-ahead basket with 1:15 left, added a foul shot with 12 seconds left and watched as North Carolina’s Elliot Cadeau missed a 3-pointer as time expired. allowed the Jayhawks to escape with a 92-89 victory.

“Total class on both sides. It was rooting for your team but not chasing the other team,” said Kansas coach Bill Self, who tied the building’s namesake Phog Allen for most wins at the school with his 590. “Although we didn’t play the best we We could, we found a way to win. “I think it was a good game for both programs.”

The stars certainly shined in the latest matchup of two schools with a combined 10 national titles.

South Dakota State transfer Zeke Mayo scored 21 points for Kansas. Dickinson scored 20 and KJ Adams Jr. finished with 14 as the Jayhawks (2-0) narrowly avoided matching the biggest blown loss in school history.

Seth Trimble scored 19 points, Davis scored 16 and Cadeau finished with 12 points and seven assists for the Tar Heels (1-1), who were able to overcome their 49-29 deficit in part thanks to shooting 28 of 31. Performance in the foul line.

“I mean, any time you bring in two amazing programs that have fantastic, talented kids (competitive kids), it doesn’t matter if it’s March or November. It’s going to be competitive,” North Carolina coach Hubert Davis said.

“You run through that tunnel and you see that crowd, and you see Kansas on the other side of the court,” Davis added. “If you can’t feel like playing and competing in this type of atmosphere, against that type of team, something must be wrong with you.”

is he shared history of North Carolina and Kansas — the quality of their matchups, including five Final Four fights and two national title games, along with the Hall of Fame coaches who pair them — that has made their series a rivalry.

In fact, this was only the second game on campus and came more than six decades after eventual Kansas coach Larry Brown led the Tar Heels to victory at the Phog. And despite the rarity of home series in an era of expanded conference schedules, in-season tournaments and interleague matchups, the 14th game between Kansas and North Carolina will take place on Nov. 14, 2025, when the Jayhawks visit Chapel Hill for the first time.

Until then, bragging rights in a series deadlocked with six wins apiece heading into Friday night remain with Kansas.

The Jayhawks, who rallied from 16 down to beat North Carolina in their final matchup for the 2022 national title, took control with an early 15-3 run and eventually extended the lead to 20 with just under two minutes left in the first half. .

The Tar Heels, led by their exceptional defense but weaker in the post, struggled to contain Dickinson and Adams when their big men got into foul trouble. Jalen Washington, Jae’Lyn Withers and Ven-Allen Lubin sat through the first half with two fouls each, and Tyzhaun Claude had three for North Carolina in just 3 1/2 minutes.

However, once the big men returned, the Tar Heels began to come back. And it didn’t take long to turn it into a game.

Davis, Cadeau and Trimble did most of the work, as they are expected to do all season. But the bigs also played a role in the comeback, and it was back-to-back baskets by Withers that gave North Carolina an 80-79 lead with 7:06 left.

The teams vied for the lead from there, the Tar Heels taking a 89-87 lead on a Washington basket with 2 minutes left. But Mayo responded for Kansas at the other end, and after a stop, Dickinson provided the lead. He added the first of two free throws with 12 seconds left, setting up North Carolina’s last-chance 3-pointer.

When Cadeau’s shot bounced, the Jayhawks invaded the court in a March-worthy celebration.

After all, they had won a game worthy of the NCAA tournament.

“I wanted to play this game because I love playing basketball. I love competing,” Davis said, his voice hoarse from shouting over the noise. “They have to come to our house next year. The game is the game, you know? “I love competing.”

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