— In Lawrence, Kan., ninth-ranked Kansas handed top-ranked Arizona its first loss of the season, defeating the Wildcats 82-78 at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson, a late scratch with flu-like symptoms, while Flory Bidunga posted a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double to fuel the Jayhawks. Arizona led by as many as 11 and carried a three-point halftime edge, but Kansas rallied in the second half and closed the game at the free-throw line. The result snapped Arizona’s unbeaten start and kept Kansas’ Big 12 push alive.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas defeated No. 1 Arizona 82-78 on Feb. 9, 2026, at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan.
- Flory Bidunga recorded 23 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double; Melvin Council Jr. added 23 points and was 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.
- Arizona entered the game 23-1 overall and 10-1 in Big 12 play; Kansas improved to 19-5 and 9-2 in conference.
- Freshman Darryn Peterson was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms and has missed 11 games this season with hamstring, calf and ankle issues.
- Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points; Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.
- Kansas overcame an 11-point deficit and first took the lead at 9:32 of the second half on a Bidunga layup.
- Late free throws by Council and Tre White sealed the final margin in the closing minute.
Background
Kansas and Arizona met with contrasting narratives: Arizona carried the nation’s No. 1 ranking and a 23-0 start into Allen Fieldhouse, while Kansas sat at 19-5 seeking to close the gap in Big 12 standings. The matchup drew attention because Arizona’s winning streak was the second-longest in Division I at the time, amplifying the stakes for both teams. Kansas has had injury issues this season, including repeated absences by freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who has missed 11 games with lower-body ailments and was unavailable again with flu-like symptoms. Allen Fieldhouse’s home-court reputation and intense crowd atmosphere are longstanding factors in Kansas’ ability to win tight games, especially in conference play.
Arizona’s rotation has leaned on freshman scoring and perimeter depth; Brayden Burries’ 25-point night continued that trend against a veteran Kansas frontcourt. The Wildcats’ offense had been efficient throughout the season, relying on balanced scoring from Burries, Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov. Kansas, meanwhile, has displayed a mix of veteran leadership and emerging contributors—players such as Melvin Council Jr., Bryson Tiller and Jamari McDowell have stepped into scoring roles when needed. The matchup also held conference implications: both teams were jockeying for position in the Big 12 and for national seeding considerations heading into March.
Main Event
Arizona led at halftime by three and extended that advantage to as many as 11 in the first half, appearing in control through efficient shooting and perimeter production. Kansas struggled at times to find consistent offense early, but their defense tightened in the second half and limited Arizona’s transition opportunities. The Jayhawks’ first lead came at 9:32 of the second half when Flory Bidunga converted a layup that capped a seven-point personal run, shifting momentum toward Kansas.
Bidunga finished 8-for-11 from the field and totaled 23 points with 10 rebounds, giving Kansas a reliable interior presence when perimeter looks were contested. Senior guard Melvin Council Jr. contributed 23 points and was 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, making key attempts in the final minute to preserve the lead. Bryson Tiller added 18 points and Jamari McDowell chipped in 10, giving Kansas four players in double figures.
Arizona’s Brayden Burries led all scorers with 25 points while Motiejus Krivas had 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13. The Wildcats closed to within one point with 34 seconds remaining, but Kansas converted late free throws—including two by Tre White—and forced missed attempts by Arizona in the final possessions to secure the 82-78 win. Coach Bill Self credited the crowd and the team’s competitiveness after the game.
Analysis & Implications
The upset has immediate implications for national rankings and seeding discussions: Arizona’s loss ends its unbeaten run and will likely move poll voters and selection committees to reassess the Wildcats’ standing. For Kansas, the victory bolsters an already-improving conference resume and demonstrates depth when key rotation pieces like Darryn Peterson are absent. Kansas’ ability to close games at the free-throw line—Council was 10-for-11—highlights late-game poise that could matter in both Big 12 play and postseason settings.
Strategically, Arizona’s earlier lead showed the Wildcats’ capacity to control tempo, but Kansas’ second-half adjustments—more aggressive interior attacks through Bidunga and tighter defensive rotations—flipped the script. The result underscores the thin margins in top-tier matchups: a swing of a few possessions, timely free throws, and a hostile environment can determine outcomes even between elite teams. Arizona will need to examine late-game execution and defensive rebounding after allowing Kansas to rally from an 11-point hole.
Injury and availability will remain a storyline for Kansas. Peterson’s continued absence stretches the Jayhawks’ depth, but Monday demonstrated the roster’s next-man-up resilience. For Arizona, the defeat is a test of continuity: how the Wildcats respond in the next weeks will signal whether this was a single setback or the start of a more significant vulnerability in their rotation and late-game management.
Comparison & Data
| Team | Record (Overall) | Big 12 | Top Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 19-5 | 9-2 | Bidunga 23, Tiller 18, Council 23 |
| Arizona | 23-1 | 10-1 | Burries 25, Krivas 14, Kharchenkov 13 |
The table shows the season records and leading scorers from the game; Kansas’ win narrows the conference gap but Arizona remains the higher-ranked team on paper. The box score suggests Kansas got balanced scoring and efficient free-throw shooting late, while Arizona maintained perimeter punch but faltered in closing defense and offensive rebounds in crunch time.
Reactions & Quotes
Kansas coach Bill Self emphasized the crowd’s impact and the team’s competitive effort, noting that home energy changed momentum in the second half. He also framed the result as a product of roster readiness when rotations shift.
“This place won this game tonight.”
Bill Self, Kansas head coach (postgame)
Self also highlighted the team’s depth and attitude when asked about missing players.
“Next-man-up mentality.”
Bill Self, Kansas head coach (postgame)
Unconfirmed
- The precise nature and expected recovery timeline for Darryn Peterson’s flu-like symptoms remain unconfirmed beyond the team’s late scratch announcement.
- Whether Arizona’s ranking will drop significantly in the next AP poll is pending the voters’ reaction and other teams’ results later in the week.
Bottom Line
Kansas’ 82-78 victory over No. 1 Arizona on Feb. 9, 2026, is a significant conference result that highlights Kansas’ depth and Allen Fieldhouse’s influence while ending the Wildcats’ unbeaten run. Key performances—Bidunga’s double-double and Council’s late free-throw accuracy—were decisive in a game that swung on second-half adjustments and clutch execution.
Looking ahead, Kansas can build momentum in Big 12 play if it maintains balanced scoring and late-game discipline; Arizona must address end-of-game defense and rebounding to rebound from its first loss. Both teams’ next outings will clarify whether this result was an isolated upset or a turning point in the conference race.