Arizona vs. Kansas: A Heavyweight Clash Kicks Off a Brutal Stretch for the Wildcats
Arizona’s about to walk through fire-and it starts Monday night in Lawrence.
The Wildcats are staring down one of the toughest four-game stretches in college basketball this season, beginning with a marquee matchup at Kansas. After that?
Texas Tech and BYU come to McKale Center, and then it’s a road trip to face Houston on February 21. If you’re looking for a stretch that could define a season, this is it.
But let’s start with the main event: Arizona at Kansas.
This one has all the makings of a classic. Arizona enters the game riding a 23-game win streak-the longest to start a season in program history and the best in the Big XII. Kansas, meanwhile, has found its groove, winning seven straight and looking more and more like the blueblood powerhouse we’ve come to expect every March.
When the new rankings drop Monday, we could be looking at a top-10 showdown. Arizona is expected to hold the No. 1 spot unanimously.
Kansas won’t be far behind. And beyond the rankings, this game offers something even juicier: a potential look at the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Kansas freshman guard Peterson has been electric when healthy, averaging 20.5 points per game and adding 4.2 rebounds. He’s been banged up this season-missing 10 games and averaging just under 28 minutes per night-but when he’s on the floor, he’s a problem. Arizona fans won’t need reminding of what he can do in transition or how quickly he can heat up from deep.
On the other side, Arizona’s star forward A.J. Dybantsa is a matchup nightmare.
His combination of size, athleticism, and skill has NBA scouts salivating-and he’s been the engine behind Arizona’s dominant start. This isn’t just a battle between two college powerhouses; it’s a showcase of elite talent that could shape the top of the draft board in June.
Tipoff and Broadcast Info
Arizona and Kansas will tip off at 7 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. ESPN has the coverage, with Jon Sciambi on play-by-play, Fran Fraschilla providing analysis, and Angel Gray reporting from the sideline.
The Betting Lines
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Arizona is a slight 2.5-point favorite on the road. If you’re backing the Wildcats to cover, the odds are -108.
Kansas getting the points comes in at -112. On the money line, Arizona is -154, while Kansas is a +128 underdog.
The over/under is set at 151.5-suggesting oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair.
Series History
Kansas leads the all-time series, 9-5, but recent history has been more balanced. Arizona knocked off the Jayhawks in the 2025 Big XII Tournament, just days after falling to them at Allen Fieldhouse. That win was a statement-especially considering Arizona hadn’t won in Lawrence since 2003, when they stormed back from a big deficit to win 91-74.
What’s at Stake
For Arizona, this game is the first real gut check of a brutal stretch that could shape their postseason seeding and national perception. For Kansas, it’s a chance to take down the nation’s top team at home, extend their win streak to eight, and make a statement of their own.
Two storied programs. Two future NBA stars.
One raucous night at Allen Fieldhouse. Buckle up.