Kansas vs. Utah: What to Watch as the Jayhawks Look to Keep Rolling at Allen Fieldhouse
The Kansas Jayhawks are heating up at just the right time.
Winners of six straight in Big 12 play, the No. 11-ranked Jayhawks are back home at Allen Fieldhouse this Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. tip against a struggling Utah squad. Kansas is 17-5 overall and 7-2 in conference play, and they’ve been flexing their depth and defensive toughness during this recent run. Utah, meanwhile, comes in at 9-13 and just 1-8 in the Big 12, trying to stop a four-game skid.
Let’s dig into what fans should know heading into this weekend’s matchup.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. CT
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- TV: FOX
- Radio: WHB (810 AM, Kansas City), ESPN Wichita (92.3 FM)
Projected Starters
Utah (9-13, 1-8 Big 12)
- F - Seydou Traore (6-6, Jr.) - 9.4 ppg
- F - Keanu Dawes (6-9, Jr.) - 12.1 ppg
- F - James Okonkwo (6-8, Sr.) - 2.8 ppg
- G - Don McHenry (6-2, Sr.) - 18.1 ppg
- G - Terrence Brown (6-3, Jr.) - 21.4 ppg
Kansas (17-5, 7-2 Big 12)
- F - Flory Bidunga (6-10, Soph.) - 14.5 ppg
- F - Bryson Tiller (6-11, Fr.) - 8.7 ppg
- G - Tre White (6-7, Sr.) - 14.5 ppg
- G - Melvin Council Jr. (6-4, Sr.) - 13.8 ppg
- G - Darryn Peterson (6-6, Fr.) - 21.1 ppg
Scouting the Utes
It’s been a tough first season at the helm for Alex Jensen, the former Utah standout who returned to coach his alma mater. The Utes have dropped four in a row and are still searching for their first road win of the season - they’re 0-13 in true road games going back to last year.
Still, there are individual bright spots.
Junior guard Terrence Brown is putting up 21.4 points per game and is on pace to become just the third Utah player since the 1996-97 season to average 20+ for a full season. He’s hit the 20-point mark 15 times this year - the most by a Ute since Andrew Bogut’s 22 such games back in 2004-05.
Brown’s ceiling is high, as shown in his 36-point outburst against Weber State. But he’s also coming off a rough night - just six points on 2-of-16 shooting in a loss to Arizona State.
Senior guard Don McHenry is another key piece. He’s averaging 18.1 points and has shown remarkable discipline, committing just 25 fouls across 688 minutes this season. That’s the kind of smart, efficient play that can keep Utah competitive if they can get enough scoring help.
Fifth-year senior James Okonkwo brings experience to the frontcourt and is coming off a season-high 13 rebounds against BYU. But overall, Utah’s size and rebounding haven’t translated into consistent results.
Utah’s lone Big 12 win came in Salt Lake City - a tight 82-79 battle over TCU. But they’ve struggled against ranked opponents, especially on the road.
The Utes are just 11-72 all-time in those situations. Their last ranked road win came back in 2018 at Saint Mary’s in the NIT.
Jayhawks Rolling at the Right Time
Kansas is starting to look like, well, Kansas.
The Jayhawks have won six straight Big 12 games and are showing the kind of balance and poise that’s defined the Bill Self era. This is the 14th time in Self’s 23 seasons that KU has started 7-2 or better in conference play - and the first time since 2021-22.
The Jayhawks are thriving on both ends. They’re a perfect 17-0 when they outshoot their opponent and 12-1 when they win the rebounding battle.
That’s not just a stat - it’s a blueprint. When Kansas controls tempo and glass, they’re almost impossible to beat.
Freshman phenom Darryn Peterson continues to impress, scoring in double figures in all 12 games he’s played. He leads the team at 21.1 points per game and has quickly become the go-to scorer.
Senior guard Melvin Council Jr. has been a steady presence, hitting double figures in 17 games this season. When he scores 15 or more, Kansas is 9-2 - and they’ve won six straight in that scenario.
Tre White brings veteran savvy and scoring punch, with 1,308 career points and 67 double-digit games under his belt. He’s been in double figures in 12 of his last 13 and has been nearly automatic at the line lately, hitting 22 of his last 24 free throws.
Down low, Flory Bidunga has been a force. He’s shooting an eye-popping 77.7% from the field over his last seven games (52-for-66), and his presence inside has anchored Kansas’ interior play. Bryson Tiller, a freshman with serious upside, grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds against BYU last week, showing he’s growing into his role.
Kansas is averaging 81.4 points per game in Big 12 play and 78.1 overall - and they’ve held opponents under 70 in 14 games this season, going 13-1 in those contests. That combination of scoring depth and defensive discipline is what makes this team dangerous.
Series History & Saturday’s Doubleheader
Kansas leads the all-time series with Utah, 2-1. The Utes got the better of the Jayhawks last season in Salt Lake City, pulling off a 74-67 upset. But the previous two meetings - both in Kansas City - went KU’s way: 63-60 in 2014 and 79-68 in 1995.
Saturday’s men’s game is part of a doubleheader at Allen Fieldhouse. After the Jayhawks and Utes wrap up, the KU women’s team will host Cincinnati at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Bottom Line
Kansas is playing its best basketball of the season, and Allen Fieldhouse has been a fortress. Utah has talent - especially in the backcourt - but hasn’t proven it can hang on the road, especially against top-tier opponents. If the Jayhawks stick to their formula - defend, rebound, and let their stars shine - they’ll be tough to slow down.
Tipoff’s at 1:30. Expect a loud building, a focused KU squad, and a Utah team looking to shock the system.