Kansas vs. UConn: A Heavyweight Clash at Allen Fieldhouse
When Kansas and UConn tip off Tuesday night in Lawrence, it won’t just be another early-season nonconference matchup-it’s a meeting of two blue-blood programs with Final Four aspirations and rosters built for March. The Jayhawks are fresh off a strong showing in the Players Era tournament, where they took down Notre Dame, Syracuse, and Tennessee. But now comes their biggest test yet: the reigning national champs are coming to town.
Tipoff Details
- Time: 8 p.m.
CT, Tuesday
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: WHB 810 (Kansas City), ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM
Let’s break down what to watch for in this marquee matchup.
Probable Starters
UConn Huskies (6-1)
- F - Alex Karaban (Sr., 6-8): 14.0 ppg
- F - Jaylin Stewart (Jr., 6-7): 6.9 ppg
- C - Tarris Reed (Sr., 6-11): 15.5 ppg
- G - Silas Demary (Jr., 6-4): 12.0 ppg
- G - Solo Ball (Jr., 6-4): 14.3 ppg
Kansas Jayhawks (6-2)
- F - Flory Bidunga (Soph., 6-10): 15.8 ppg
- F - Bryson Tiller (Fr., 6-11): 9.5 ppg
- G - Tre White (Sr., 6-7): 14.4 ppg
- G - Melvin Council Jr. (Sr., 6-4): 10.8 ppg
- G - Jamari McDowell (Soph., 6-5): 3.4 ppg or Darryn Peterson (Fr., 6-6): 21.5 ppg
Scouting the Huskies
UConn rolls into Lawrence with a 6-1 record and a résumé that already includes a statement win over Illinois, where the Huskies clamped down defensively and held the Illini to just 61 points-well below their 95-point average. That kind of defensive effort is exactly what Dan Hurley’s teams have become known for.
The lone blemish on UConn’s record came in a tight battle against Arizona, a 71-67 loss in Storrs. But aside from that, the Huskies have been dominant, winning games by wide margins and showing depth across the board.
Tarris Reed has been a force in the paint, while Karaban and Ball bring scoring punch from the wings. Silas Demary, named second-team All-Big East in the preseason, adds balance in the backcourt.
Hurley, now in his eighth season at UConn and 16th overall as a D-I head coach, has built a program that travels well. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, the Huskies are 16-7 in true road games-third-most wins in that span among power conference teams.
They’ve also gone 25-11 against AP Top 25 opponents since 2022-23, including a 12-5 mark against top-10 teams. In short: they don’t shy away from big stages.
UConn was picked second in the Big East preseason coaches poll, and for good reason. Karaban, Ball, and Reed all landed on the All-Big East first team-no other team had three first-teamers.
Demary earned second-team honors, and freshman Braylon Mullins was named the league’s Freshman of the Year. This is a deep, talented, and battle-tested group.
Kansas at Home: A Fortress in Lawrence
Kansas doesn’t lose often at Allen Fieldhouse-and especially not in nonconference play. Under Bill Self, the Jayhawks are a staggering 162-6 against non-league opponents at home.
That’s a 96.4% win rate. Since November 2022, they’ve rattled off 23 straight nonconference wins at the Phog.
And when it comes to facing AP top-5 teams under Self, Kansas is 12-1 at home. That’s the kind of stat that turns Allen Fieldhouse into a nightmare for visiting teams.
The Jayhawks have already shown flashes of what they can be this season. Flory Bidunga has been a consistent force down low, scoring in double figures in six straight games and protecting the rim with authority-he’s recorded three or more blocks in five outings. Freshman Bryson Tiller has been cleaning the glass, grabbing at least five rebounds in six straight games.
Senior guard Tre White is the steadying presence in the backcourt. He’s scored in double digits in seven straight games and has quietly become a reliable perimeter threat, hitting multiple threes in three games this season. Melvin Council Jr. adds scoring versatility, while the backcourt rotation could hinge on whether Bill Self opts for the experience of Jamari McDowell or the explosive scoring of freshman Darryn Peterson, who’s averaging a team-high 21.5 points per game.
Kansas is also doing the little things well-like crashing the offensive glass. They’ve posted double-digit offensive rebounds in three straight games, creating second-chance opportunities that can swing momentum in tight matchups.
History on KU’s Side
The Jayhawks lead the all-time series 4-0, including a tight 69-65 win last December in the Big East/Big 12 Battle. That game, also played in Allen Fieldhouse, was a slugfest-and this year’s version promises more of the same. The two programs also met in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, where Kansas won 73-61 in the South Regional.
But history only counts for so much. This UConn team is deep, disciplined, and dangerous. Kansas, meanwhile, is still figuring out its best rotations but has the talent and toughness to beat anyone-especially at home.
What to Watch For
- Frontcourt Battle: Bidunga vs. Reed is must-see.
Two elite bigs who can control the paint on both ends.
- Perimeter Defense: UConn’s guards can score in bunches.
Kansas will need to contain dribble penetration and contest threes.
- Bench Impact: Depth could be the difference.
UConn’s rotation is more established, but if Kansas gets a spark from someone like Peterson or Rosario, that could tilt the scales.
This one has all the makings of a classic. Two powerhouse programs, two elite coaches, and a packed Allen Fieldhouse under the lights. Buckle up.