After a strong showing in Las Vegas at the Players Era Tournament, Kansas is back in the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse for a heavyweight non-conference clash against No. 5 UConn. This is the kind of early December matchup that feels like March-two top-25 programs, both with deep tournament pedigrees, squaring off under the bright lights in one of college basketball’s most iconic venues.
Kansas Still Without Star Freshman
The Jayhawks will once again be without standout freshman Darryn Peterson, who’s set to miss his seventh straight game due to a lingering hamstring injury. Head coach Bill Self said Peterson is “very close” to returning but remains “day-to-day” and not quite at full strength. While Kansas has managed to navigate his absence so far, his return would add another dynamic piece to a rotation that’s still searching for its best version.
A Brief History-and a Rare Opportunity for UConn
Kansas owns a 4-0 record all-time against UConn, including a gritty 69-65 win last December. But this is a different Huskies team-bigger, deeper, and riding the momentum of a strong start to the season.
At 6-1, UConn enters Allen Fieldhouse as the betting favorite (-2.5), a rare position for a road team in Lawrence. The over/under is set at 143.5, which suggests the oddsmakers are expecting a fast-paced, high-level affair.
The Jayhawks' Fortress
Allen Fieldhouse has long been one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, and the numbers back it up. Kansas has won 23 straight non-conference games at home, and under Bill Self, the Jayhawks are 12-1 against AP Top-5 teams in the building.
That lone loss? A 2020 game against Baylor.
Since then, Kansas has turned Allen into a proving ground for elite opponents-and they usually leave with a loss.
Even more telling: KU has won 85 of its last 87 games at home when leading at halftime. If the Jayhawks get out in front early, history says they’re likely to stay there.
What’s at Stake
Kansas enters the game at 6-2, looking to avoid a 6-3 start for the first time since the 2013-14 season. While it’s still early, a third loss before conference play would raise eyebrows-especially for a program with national title aspirations.
UConn, meanwhile, is 6-1 and looking to add a signature road win to its resume. A victory in Lawrence would send a clear message: this Huskies team is for real.
Players to Watch
Flory Bidunga has quietly been one of the most efficient bigs in the Big 12 so far this season. He leads the conference in both field goal percentage and blocked shots, anchoring the paint on both ends for Kansas. His ability to protect the rim and finish around it will be critical against a UConn frontcourt that doesn’t shy away from physical play.
How to Watch
- Tip-Off: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 8:00 PM CDT
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- TV: ESPN2 (Jon Sciambi and Fran Fraschilla on the call)
- Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network (Brian Hanni, David Lawrence, Brandon McAnderson)
- Sirius XM: Channels 84, 203
- Online Stream: kuathletics.leanplayer.com
Final Word
This is more than just a non-conference game-it’s a measuring stick. For Kansas, it’s a chance to reassert itself after a couple of early bumps.
For UConn, it’s an opportunity to prove it can go into one of the toughest environments in college hoops and come out with a win. Expect high-level basketball, a raucous crowd, and a game that could have major implications come March.