Even without standout freshman Darryn Peterson in the lineup, Kansas didn’t flinch against top-ranked Arizona. Instead, the Jayhawks leaned into their depth - and their grit - to pull off a statement win that said a lot about who this team is becoming.
Melvin Council Jr. summed it up best: “We got a lot of fight.” And that’s not just talk.
It’s been a recurring theme since their early-season trip to Las Vegas, where a shorthanded Kansas squad went 3-0 in the Players Era Championship, knocking off Notre Dame, Syracuse, and then-No. 17 Tennessee.
That stretch helped forge an identity that showed up again on Monday night.
With Peterson sidelined, Council stepped into the spotlight and delivered. The senior guard played all 40 minutes and dropped 23 points, grinding his way through a 6-of-25 shooting night.
It wasn’t the most efficient performance, but it was relentless - and it was exactly what Kansas needed. It also marked his second 20-point game in conference play this season, further cementing his role as a go-to scorer when the moment calls for it.
But Council didn’t carry the load alone.
Sophomore big man Flory Bidunga matched Council’s 23 points and anchored the paint with a presence that kept Arizona honest all night. Bidunga’s consistency inside gave Kansas a reliable scoring option and a physical edge, especially in a game where every possession felt like a battle.
Then there was Jamari McDowell, who stepped into the starting five in Peterson’s place and made sure the Jayhawks didn’t miss a beat early. McDowell scored all 10 of his points in the first half, giving Kansas the early spark it needed. He also pulled down six rebounds, showing he’s more than capable of contributing on both ends.
The Jayhawks also got meaningful minutes from Elmarko Jackson, Paul Mbiya, and Kohl Rosario - all players who’ve had to stay ready and embrace the “next man up” mentality that head coach Bill Self constantly preaches.
Jackson led all bench players with 22 minutes, providing energy and defensive effort that doesn’t always show up in the box score but absolutely matters in games like this. Mbiya gave Kansas a crucial lift in the closing moments of the first half, and while Rosario only played six minutes, he continued to work toward regaining the rhythm he showed earlier in the season.
Council made sure to shout out the group after the win: “Shoutout to Elmarko, Paul, Kohl, Jamari, Tre - they played big for us. Just next man up, and we were prepared.”
Prepared is the right word. Kansas didn’t just survive without Peterson - they thrived.
And in doing so, they reminded everyone that this isn’t a team reliant on just one or two stars. It’s a team built on depth, toughness, and a shared belief that anyone can step up when it matters most.
Monday night was just the latest example. And if this trend continues, Kansas might be even more dangerous than people thought.