Kansas Rides Red-Hot Streak Into Showdown With BYU
Kansas basketball is heating up at just the right time. After a rocky start to the season, the Jayhawks have found their rhythm-and they’re not just winning, they’re making statements. With BYU coming to town this Saturday, Kansas is looking to extend its dominant run in what will be their second home matchup this season against a ranked conference opponent.
How Kansas Flipped the Script
Let’s rewind for a second. Not long ago, things were shaky in Lawrence.
Darryn Peterson, the highly touted freshman, was seeing limited minutes, the rotation felt unsettled, and the Jayhawks just couldn’t seem to find their footing. But then came Iowa State-and everything changed.
Kansas didn’t just beat the then-No. 2 Cyclones.
They dismantled them, 84-63, in a game that felt like a turning point. That win sparked a surge that’s seen the Jayhawks take down Baylor by 18, handle Colorado on the road without head coach Bill Self, and dominate Kansas State in Manhattan with their largest road win in the rivalry since 2018.
And they did it with only seven players available.
That Sunflower Showdown win was particularly telling. No Peterson, no problem.
Kansas played with confidence, control, and cohesion-three things that were missing earlier in the year. The Jayhawks didn’t just survive short-handed; they thrived.
Stepping Up in Peterson’s Absence
While Peterson’s season has had its share of ups and downs, his absence has opened the door for others to shine-and they’ve taken full advantage.
Melvin Council Jr. has been a stabilizing force, while Flory Bidunga continues to grow into his role with poise and power. But one of the biggest sparks has come off the bench: Elmarko Jackson dropped 19 points in the most recent win, showing the kind of scoring punch that can swing games.
And then there’s Jamari McDowell. He and Jackson have been somewhat streaky, but when they’re locked in-especially at Allen Fieldhouse-they bring an energy and edge that elevates the entire team.
Scouting BYU: Dangerous, Deep, and Hungry
BYU isn’t coming in quietly. The Cougars nearly pulled off a massive upset against No.
1 Arizona last week, falling just short in the final seconds. That kind of performance says a lot about their resilience-and their ceiling.
AJ Dybansta is the name to know. The freshman phenom is drawing comparisons to Kansas’ Peterson, and for good reason.
He’s already broken Danny Ainge’s freshman scoring record at BYU, torching Utah for 43 points on 15-of-24 shooting. He currently sits second in the conference in scoring, trailing only PJ Haggerty.
But Dybansta isn’t doing it alone. Rob Wright III and Dawson Baker are both lethal from deep, each shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Wright, in particular, is a consistent scoring threat, averaging 18 points per game.
This isn’t the same BYU squad that came into Allen Fieldhouse and pulled off an upset two years ago under Mark Pope. Only Richie Saunders remains from that roster, but the supporting cast around him is more dynamic-and arguably more dangerous.
What to Watch on Saturday
This matchup has all the ingredients for a high-level Big 12 clash. Kansas is surging, playing some of its best basketball of the season, and doing it with a mix of grit, depth, and emerging star power. BYU, meanwhile, brings a potent mix of youth, shooting, and swagger.
The Jayhawks’ ability to contain Dybansta without overcommitting will be key. Expect Kansas to test BYU’s supporting cast early, while continuing to lean on their own depth and momentum. If Jackson and McDowell can provide that spark off the bench again, and Council continues his steady play, Kansas will be tough to beat-especially in The Phog.
Saturday’s game isn’t just another conference matchup. It’s a litmus test for two teams with postseason aspirations and elite-level talent. And if Kansas keeps rolling the way they have, the rest of the Big 12 better take notice.