Kansas Outlasts Undefeated Arizona in Allen Fieldhouse Thriller
In a game that had all the ingredients of a classic - top-ranked teams, a raucous crowd, and late-game drama - Kansas delivered one of the most memorable performances of the Bill Self era. And that’s saying something.
For the first time in Self’s 23 seasons at the helm, a No. 1-ranked opponent stepped foot into Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks, already perfect in Big Monday games under Self at home, were facing an Arizona squad that hadn’t lost all season. Something had to give.
What unfolded on Monday night was a heavyweight bout that lived up to the billing - a back-and-forth battle that ended with Kansas handing Arizona its first loss of the season, 82-78, in front of a deafening Lawrence crowd.
No Peterson? No Problem.
The Jayhawks were thrown a curveball right before tipoff when star guard Darryn Peterson was ruled out with flu-like symptoms. He wasn’t even listed on the final availability report, making his absence a last-minute shock. That meant freshman Jamari McDowell was thrust into the starting lineup - and he didn’t flinch.
McDowell’s early energy helped stabilize a Kansas team that stumbled out of the gate. Arizona jumped to a 6-0 lead in less than two minutes, capitalizing on some early KU miscues and pushing the tempo. But McDowell responded with five quick points, and Bryson Tiller started heating up, finding his rhythm with a putback and a smooth fadeaway jumper.
Still, Arizona’s size and balance kept them in control for most of the first half. Seven-footer Motiejus Krivas was a force inside, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and six blocks. He anchored a Wildcats team that shot 8-for-12 to start the game and got contributions from all eight rotation players.
Bidunga Battles, Council Carries
With Peterson out, Kansas needed someone to take the reins. Turns out, they had two.
Melvin Council Jr. and freshman big man Flory Bidunga each poured in 23 points, with Bidunga doing his damage in the paint and Council attacking from all angles. Bidunga went toe-to-toe with Krivas in a physical matchup, and it was his presence on both ends that helped Kansas claw back from an 11-point second-half deficit.
Council, meanwhile, was relentless. He sparked a crucial 7-0 run midway through the second half with a three-pointer that cut into Arizona’s double-digit lead. Then, with the game hanging in the balance, he tossed a perfect lob to Bidunga for a thunderous and-one dunk that brought the Jayhawks within a point.
Moments later, Bidunga gave Kansas its first lead of the night after an Arizona airball. Council followed that up with a coast-to-coast layup that gave KU a 67-64 edge - their first real momentum swing of the game - and forced Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd to burn a timeout.
Burries’ Big Night Not Enough
Arizona’s Brayden Burries was spectacular. The freshman guard led all scorers with 25 points and came up with clutch shot after clutch shot, including a corner three that cut KU’s lead to just one in the final seconds.
But the Wildcats couldn’t quite close the gap.
After Burries made it 80-78 with under 10 seconds to play, Tre White calmly stepped to the line and sank two free throws to seal it. It was fitting that defense helped Kansas close the door: Bidunga’s emphatic block on a Burries drive with 17 seconds left was the play of the night - a defining moment in a game full of them.
Tiller Steps Up, McDowell Makes His Mark
Bryson Tiller was electric in the first half, scoring 14 of his 18 points before the break. His offensive versatility was on full display, stretching the floor with two made threes and attacking off the dribble.
He threw down a dunk late in the second half to extend the lead to six, though he briefly exited after landing awkwardly. Thankfully for KU, he returned soon after.
McDowell, filling in for Peterson, made the most of his opportunity. He finished with four rebounds, three steals, and a huge corner three that tied the game late in the first half. His energy and defensive instincts gave Kansas a lift when they needed it most.
What’s Next?
With the win, Kansas improves to 19-5 overall and 9-2 in Big 12 play. The road doesn’t get any easier - next up is a top-10 showdown at No.
5 Iowa State on Saturday. The Jayhawks handled the Cyclones 84-63 in Lawrence back in January, but Hilton Coliseum will be a different beast.
If Monday night was any indication, though, this Kansas team - even short-handed - knows how to rise to the occasion.