Arizona is set to host Kansas this Saturday, marking their first clash as Big XII opponents. It's been a while since Kansas last played in Arizona, with their previous visit dating back to December 2008. A victory for Arizona would secure them a share of their first regular-season Big XII title-a significant milestone for the Wildcats.
Kansas, on the other hand, has been the powerhouse of the Big XII, boasting 21 regular-season titles. While no other current Big XII team has more than two titles, Houston has emerged as a formidable contender, claiming two titles and a stellar 45-6 conference record over the past two seasons.
Heading into this matchup, Arizona is riding a three-game winning streak, bouncing back after dropping their first two games of the 2025-26 season. Kansas handed Arizona their first loss of the season with an 82-78 victory on February 9. As they prepare for the rematch, both teams are dealing with health concerns that could impact the game.
Arizona has been missing freshman forwards Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat, with Aristode out for four games and Peat for three and a half. Meanwhile, Kansas' standout freshman guard Darryn Peterson has been battling cramping and hamstring issues throughout the season.
For those tuning in, the game tips off at 2:00 PM Mountain Standard Time on ESPN, with Jon Sciambi providing play-by-play coverage and Fran Fraschilla offering analysis. The duo will stick around in Tucson to cover the Iowa State vs. Arizona game on Monday.
As for the odds, Arizona is favored by 8.5 points according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Kansas stands at +330 on the money line, while Arizona is at -430. The over/under is set at 147.5, with betting on the over at -115 and the under at -105.
Historically, Kansas holds the upper hand in this matchup with a 10-5 all-time series lead over Arizona. Kansas claimed victory in their last encounter earlier this month and also won their previous game in Arizona back in December 2008. However, Arizona's recent triumph over Kansas came in the 2025 Big XII Tournament in Kansas City.
This game promises to be a pivotal moment in the Big XII landscape, with Arizona eager to assert their newfound dominance and Kansas determined to maintain their legacy.