On Monday, the #1 Arizona Wildcats (23–1) traveled to Allen Fieldhouse to take on the #9 Kansas Jayhawks (19–5) in a physical battle that came down to the final minute. Kansas walked off its home court victorious, with a 72–68 final score. In a game-time decision, projected #1 pick in the upcoming draft, Darryn Peterson, was ruled out due to flu-like symptoms. This marked the 11th game Peterson has missed, forcing the team around him to adapt to playing without their star. Despite his absence, Kansas came ready to compete and beat the Wildcats by dominating where they are strongest: scoring in the paint.
1st Half:
Arizona started the game with authority, scoring six straight points in the paint. This sent an early message to the Jayhawks regarding the Wildcats’ physicality, forcing Kansas to respond with a more aggressive, paint-oriented defensive approach. Darryn Peterson is a major threat from beyond the arc, attempting over six three-pointers per game, but his absence forced Kansas to adopt a contrasting style of play. That adjustment created immediate momentum, forcing Arizona’s starting center, Motiejus Krivas, into back-to-back traveling violations.
For the first time in conference play, the Wildcats were thrown out of rhythm in an area they are known for dominating. Arizona’s efficiency inside the paint, both offensively and defensively, ranks in the top 10 nationally. On the other side of the ball, Kansas started sloppily, turning the ball over and allowing Arizona easy buckets in transition. Arizona’s ball movement was sharp, allowing all five players on the floor to remain scoring threats and creating balanced offense. Every Wildcat starter scored within the first five minutes.
In contrast, Jayhawks guard Bryson Tiller established himself early, scoring 14 of Kansas’s first 22 points. Kansas also committed to protecting the rim, recording seven blocks in the first half, led by potential Defensive Player of the Year, Flory Bidunga. Bidunga set the defensive tone by stepping up in the paint and forcing Arizona’s guards into uncomfortable shots two to three feet behind their preferred spots. This kept the Wildcats in constant discomfort and prevented them from generating quality looks.
Undisciplined fouling caused by high perimeter pressure put Arizona out of position defensively, forcing Krivas to help from the block and leading to easy baskets. Neither team was able to create a significant run in the first half, as the squads traded scoring spurts. Kansas trailed for most of the half, while Arizona’s largest lead reached seven. However, Kansas’s quick transition offense kept the game within one possession for much of the period. In the final four minutes, the Jayhawks gained momentum with a short run, ending the half trailing 45–42.
Photo Cred: ESPN
2nd Half:
After a tightly contested first half, Arizona searched for a defensive identity. The Wildcats had relied too heavily on Krivas, and Kansas consistently exploited it. Fortunately for Arizona, they opened the second half strong, going on a quick 11–2 run. This marked their largest lead of the night, fueled by active guard play on defense, aggressive passing-lane pressure, and a surge of momentum despite the hostile environment.
Kansas responded with a brief run of free throws and transition buckets, cutting Arizona’s lead to four with just under 12 minutes remaining. That’s when Flory Bidunga took over, sparking an 11–2 run of his own. He applied relentless pressure defensively while anchoring the offense in the paint, giving Kansas a three-point lead. Arizona went scoreless for over four minutes until Braden Burries knocked down a crucial three-pointer. Kansas responded by keeping its foot on the gas, extending the lead to six with under four minutes remaining.
By that point, the Wildcats were clearly fatigued. Kansas had physically dominated the game, shutting down both Koa Peat and Jaden Bradley offensively. The scoring burden shifted heavily to Burries and Kharchenkov. Krivas, whose shot had gone cold after Arizona’s initial drought, was also carrying a heavy defensive workload against Bidunga and Kansas’s quick guards. Burries and Kharchenkov attacked the lane and cut the Jayhawks’ lead to two, 73–71, with under two minutes remaining.
Photo Cred: Kansas Sports
However, a few failed possessions later, Arizona committed costly fouls and defensive lapses, allowing the game to be decided at the free-throw line. Tre White sealed the game at the stripe, with an 82–78 final in favor of the Jayhawks. Kansas snapped Arizona’s record-breaking start in a thrilling matchup in Lawrence. The Wildcats struggled in the road environment, hitting just 8 of 14 free throws. The Jayhawk crowd made its case for the toughest atmosphere in the country, reaching 110 decibels inside Allen Fieldhouse.
Arizona’s starters shot a collective 40% from the field, getting bullied in the paint and forced into difficult shots. The final 12 minutes were especially costly for the Wildcats, as they surrendered their lead and allowed Kansas to seize control and maintain momentum. This was an impressive performance from the Jayhawks without their leading scorer and a promising sign as conference play nears its end. Kansas extended its win streak to eight games, including victories over four top-15 teams.
This is the point in the schedule where teams aim to peak, define their identity, and build momentum. On the other side, Arizona may have benefited from this loss. Defeats expose weaknesses and highlight areas for growth. Perimeter shooting has been a season-long critique for the Wildcats and played a major role in this outcome. Ultimately, the biggest factor was Kansas’s physical dominance.
The Jayhawks understood the game would be decided within 12 feet of the basket and executed a tougher, more effective brand of basketball. This matchup marked the first battle in Arizona’s remaining gauntlet schedule. The two teams will meet again at McKale Center on February 28, where Darryn Peterson is expected to return. That rematch will determine whether Kansas can maintain the same level of pressure on the road.
