The 2026 edition of The Basketball Tournament opened with a decisive clash between two Kansas alumni squads. Purple Reign, representing Kansas State University, secured an 80‑61 win over JHX Hoops, the team bearing the University of Kansas banner.
Game Highlights
From the opening tip the Reign surged ahead, building a 39‑25 lead by halftime. Michael Beasley, in his TBT debut, poured in 20 points and drew a technical foul after a heated verbal exchange with a Kansas alum. Austin Trice and Xavier Sneed each added 16 points, while their early alley‑oop dunks sparked the crowd. The first team to reach 80 points claimed the victory, and Purple Reign hit that mark in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
What’s Next
The series shifts to Lee Arena in Topeka on July 22, where JHX Hoops will look to rebound. A win there would even the ledger and set the stage for a potential final showdown. Both programs, rooted in the competitive spirit of their respective universities, bring a deep roster of former college stars eager to extend their alumni legacies.
Purple Reign now leads the series 1‑0, but the rivalry remains alive. With key contributors like Marcus Garrett and Shaun Williams poised to make an impact, the next game promises another chapter of high‑stakes basketball for fans across the United States.