Kansas Overcomes No. 1 Arizona, Claiming First Loss Without Darryn Peterson
In a thrilling matchup, No. 9 Kansas triumphed over top-ranked Arizona, ending their unbeaten streak with an 82-78 victory on Monday night. The game took place at Allen Fieldhouse, where the Jayhawks demonstrated resilience despite missing key player Darryn Peterson.
Kansas Claims Victory Against Arizona
Flory Bidunga played a pivotal role for Kansas, achieving a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. His performance was instrumental in the Jayhawks’ comeback, especially after they faced an 11-point deficit during the game.
Game Highlights
- Arizona held a halftime lead of three points.
- Kansas took its first lead at the 9:32 mark in the second half.
- Bidunga scored seven consecutive points to help Kansas pull ahead.
- Melvin Council Jr. contributed significantly, finishing the game with 23 points.
- Kansas saw four players scoring in double digits.
Ride on the momentum from the crowd, Kansas coach Bill Self acknowledged the fans’ impact on the game. “This place won this game tonight,” he stated, emphasizing the home court advantage.
Player Contributions
Kansas exhibited a strong team effort, with notable contributions from:
- Melvin Council Jr.: 23 points, including key free throws.
- Flory Bidunga: 23 points and 10 rebounds.
- Bryson Tiller: 18 points.
- Jamari McDowell: 10 points.
Despite their struggles, Arizona’s Brayden Burries led his team with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenkov added 14 and 13 points, respectively, but fell short against a determined Kansas squad.
Darryn Peterson’s Absence Felt
The Jayhawks played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who was sidelined due to flu-like symptoms. This marked his 11th missed game due to various injuries, including hamstring and ankle issues. Coach Self praised the team’s ability to adapt, highlighting their “next-man-up mentality.” The victory against the unbeaten Arizona team showcases their potential as a formidable force in Division I basketball.
Kansas improved their record to 19-5, claiming a crucial win in their season. Meanwhile, Arizona’s record now stands at 23-1, with this being their first loss of the season.
