Peterson scores 21 points in 22 minutes in debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 21 points in 22 minutes in his debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51 in the season opener for both teams Monday night.

Peterson shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 3 for 7 from 3-point range, before sitting most of the second half.

Kansas’ Flory Bidunga led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 sniping from the line. Melvin Council added 10 points for Kansas, which was 33 of 58 from the field (56.9%).

Green Bay was led by Marcus Hall’s 17 points.

The Jayhawks, who led by 21 points at the break, put any thoughts of a Green Bay comeback to rest by scoring the first seven points of the second half. The Jayhawks extended their lead throughout the second half and their final 43-point margin was their largest of the game.

Peterson made an impact early. His first bucket, a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the 18:31 mark, put Kansas in front and the Jayhawks never looked back. He also had two steals before the first media timeout. He finished the first half with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Bidunga picked up his second foul with 6:44 left, which earned him a spot on the bench. He finished the half with 16 points. He was 6 for 6 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line.