Road Resilience: Jayhawks Secure 20th Win in Stillwater

Darryn Peterson’s electric start, Elmarco Jackson’s masterclass, and the mystery of the second-half cramps.

Kansas basketball has officially hit the 20-win milestone for the 2026 season after an 81-69 victory over Oklahoma State. In this live post-game edition of the Pay Heed Podcast, hosts Nick Springer and Kevin Flaherty break down a game that felt like a “sleepy” double-digit road win but carried significant weight for the Jayhawks’ postseason rhythm.

The headline was undoubtedly Darryn Peterson, who looked like a “generational flamethrower” in the first half, scoring 23 points in just 18 minutes. However, his abrupt exit early in the second half due to recurring cramps sparked a deep discussion on the show about player conditioning and the “conspiracy theories” swirling on social media. Beyond the Peterson drama, the guys highlight a breakout performance from Elmarco Jackson, whose 14 points and elite passing signaled a massive confidence boost for the KU bench.

Key Takeaways:

• Masterclass from Elmarco: Why this performance ranks in Jackson’s top three of the season and what it means for the bench.

• Trey White Finds the Bottom: The “weight off the shoulders” moment as White breaks his slump with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

• The Peterson Dilemma: A candid look at the medical vs. narrative reality of Darren Peterson’s cramping issues.

• Looking Ahead: Why Saturday’s matchup against a top-10 defensive unit in Cincinnati is a “must-play” for team chemistry before the Houston showdown.