Kansas Hands No. 1 Arizona Its First Loss in Statement Win at Phog Allen
In a game that delivered all the intensity and drama you’d expect from a top-tier Big 12 clash, Kansas pulled off a signature win Monday night, knocking off No. 1 Arizona, 82-78, at Phog Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks didn’t just beat the previously undefeated Wildcats - they outlasted them, out-executed them down the stretch, and reminded everyone why playing in Lawrence on a Monday night is one of the toughest asks in college basketball.
And they did it without their star.
Just 30 minutes before tipoff, Kansas learned it would be without standout guard Darryn Peterson, who was ruled out with flu-like symptoms after the pregame shootaround. That kind of last-minute curveball can derail a team, especially against an opponent as deep and disciplined as Arizona. But instead of folding, Kansas leaned into its depth and resilience - and found answers in some familiar faces and a few emerging ones.
Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga Step Up Big
With Peterson sidelined, the Jayhawks needed someone - anyone - to step into the scoring void. They got two.
Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga took over in the second half, combining for 32 of Kansas’ 39 points after the break. Council played with poise and purpose, navigating Arizona’s pressure and making timely plays.
Bidunga, meanwhile, brought energy and physicality in the paint, finishing through contact and controlling the glass.
Their second-half surge was crucial. Arizona had entered the night unbeaten and rolling, off to the best start in Big 12 history at 23-0. But Kansas met the moment, matching the Wildcats’ runs with composure and answering every punch with one of their own.
Bryson Tiller Continues to Shine
Freshman forward Bryson Tiller continues to grow into his role, and Monday night was another step forward. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, showing off his versatility and confidence in big moments.
This isn’t new territory for Tiller - he had a breakout performance last month against BYU with 21 points, also in a game where Peterson was limited. When the spotlight gets brighter, Tiller seems to elevate.
His ability to stretch the floor, rebound in traffic, and defend multiple positions gives Kansas a different dimension, especially when the rotation tightens in high-leverage games. If he keeps trending upward, the Jayhawks' ceiling gets even higher.
Bill Self’s Monday Night Magic
Here’s a stat that says a lot about the culture Bill Self has built in Lawrence: Kansas is now 57-0 at home on Mondays under Self. That’s not a typo - it’s a testament to preparation, consistency, and the energy that pulses through Phog Allen when the lights come on.
This win also marks Kansas’ eighth straight victory, pushing their record to 19-5 overall and 9-2 in conference play. After a tough road loss to West Virginia last month, the Jayhawks have locked in - and now find themselves just one game behind Arizona in the Big 12 standings.
Arizona Falls, Miami (Ohio) Stands Alone
With Arizona’s loss, the Wildcats fall to 23-1 (10-1 Big 12), and Miami (Ohio) - yes, Miami (Ohio) - is now the last undefeated team in college basketball. That’s how unpredictable this season has been.
For Arizona, it’s a setback, but not a collapse. They’re still one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the country.
But Monday night was a reminder: in the Big 12, there are no easy nights, and no team is invincible.
What This Means Moving Forward
For Kansas, this was more than just a resume win - it was a statement. They proved they can beat the best even without their best.
They showed depth, toughness, and the kind of late-season momentum that can carry into March. With Peterson expected to return soon, the Jayhawks are rounding into form at just the right time.
And for Arizona, it’s a bump in the road - but one that could serve as a valuable wake-up call. The Wildcats are still in the driver’s seat in the Big 12, but Kansas is right there in the rearview.
This one had everything: a top-ranked team going down, a short-handed home squad rising to the occasion, and a packed house at Phog Allen roaring until the final buzzer. If this is what February looks like, March can’t come soon enough.