STILLWATER, Okla. — Darryn Peterson broke out of a shooting slump with a scorching first half. The Kansas freshman guard tallied 20 points before the break, all but sealing an 81-69 win for the No. 8 Jayhawks against Oklahoma State.

Peterson entered the game ice cold. He had gone 13 for 36 from the field across his prior three outings. Against the Cowboys, he heated up fast. He drained 7 of 12 shots overall. Six of those came from three-point range on 10 attempts. His performance lifted Kansas to its fourth straight victory.

Kansas built a double-digit lead early and never looked back. Peterson’s hot shooting sparked a 20-4 run that turned a tight game into a rout. The Jayhawks led 43-29 at halftime. Oklahoma State clawed within single digits late but couldn’t close the gap.

Peterson finished with 23 points, his season high. Teammates stepped up too. KJ Adams added 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Hunter Dickinson chipped in 14 points and nine boards. The frontcourt duo controlled the paint, limiting Oklahoma State to 38% shooting.

Oklahoma State struggled from the start. The Cowboys shot just 29% in the first half. Their leading scorer, Isaiah Miranda, managed 16 points but needed 17 shots. John-Michael Wright added 14 off the bench. Kansas’ defense forced 14 turnovers, converting them into 18 points.

Peterson’s explosion marks a turning point. Scouts view him as a lottery lock for the NBA draft this summer. At 6-foot-5, he dazzles with quickness and a smooth jumper. Wednesday’s game showed why. He attacked off the dribble and buried contested threes.

Kansas coach Bill Self praised the freshman postgame. “Darryn was lights out,” Self said. “He got us going when we needed it most.” The win improves Kansas to 12-3 overall, 2-1 in the Big 12. Oklahoma State drops to 9-6, 1-2 in conference play.

Both teams return to action Saturday. Kansas hosts West Virginia. Oklahoma State travels to face TCU. Peterson’s hot hand could carry the Jayhawks deep into March.