No. 9 Kansas knocked off No. 1 Arizona 82-78 on Monday night, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season and ending their 23-game start to the season.
Kansas overcame the unexpected absence of star freshman Darryn Peterson, who was ruled out less than 30 minutes before tipoff with flu-like symptoms, by leaning on a balanced second-half surge. Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga powered the Jayhawks down the stretch, combining to score 32 of Kansas’ 39 points after halftime.
WHAT. A. GAME. 🔥
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB)
Bryson Tiller added 18 points and eight rebounds in another solid performance from the freshman forward, giving Kansas timely production as it erased an 11-point second-half deficit. Bidunga finished with 23 points, scoring the basket that gave the Jayhawks their first lead with just under 10 minutes remaining.
Arizona controlled the game early and led wire to wire in the first half, taking a 45-42 advantage into the break. The Wildcats pushed the margin to double digits early in the second half behind quick buckets from Brayden Burries, but Kansas steadily chipped away as Arizona went cold from the field.
The Jayhawks took the lead for good midway through the second half and closed the game at the free-throw line. Kansas extended its winning streak to eight games and moved to 19-5 overall and 9-2 in Big 12 play, just one game off the conference lead.
Motiejus Krivas led Arizona with a strong interior effort, posting 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Brayden Burries scored 25 to lead all scorers. However, the Wildcats struggled to match Kansas’ energy late.
With Arizona’s loss, No. 23 Miami (Ohio) now stands as the only undefeated team remaining in Division I men’s basketball at 24-0. Kansas and Arizona will meet again Feb. 28 in Tucson.
THE REDHAWKS STAND ALONE 🗣️
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB)
