BYU Aims to Upset Kansas Again at Allen Fieldhouse
On Saturday, the BYU Cougars will face the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup. This game marks the 1,000th contest for Kansas at its historic arena, with the game set to tip-off at 2:30 p.m. MST.
Game Details
- Teams: No. 13 BYU Cougars (17-3, 5-2) vs. No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks (15-5, 5-2)
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 2:30 p.m. MST
- Venue: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
- Broadcast: ESPN, BYU Radio 107.9 FM
Key Players to Watch
This game highlights two standout freshmen, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson. Both players are expected to be top picks in the upcoming NBA draft, adding to the game’s intrigue.
Dybantsa, standing at 6-foot-9, and Peterson, who is 6-foot-6, have a competitive history, having faced each other multiple times in high school. The matchup is particularly crucial for both teams as they vie for a higher seed in the upcoming Big 12 tournament.
Recent Performance
The Cougars are looking to bounce back after a narrow 86-83 loss to undefeated Arizona. Dybantsa, who struggled with his shooting, is averaging 23.6 points per game. He has shown resilience and is focused on improving his performance against Kansas.
On the other hand, Peterson has been averaging 21.6 points per game despite dealing with injuries. He is expected to return to action after missing a recent game against Kansas State.
Historical Context
BYU has had success against Kansas in their recent matchups, including a decisive victory last season. The Cougars won 91-57 at home, marking one of the Jayhawks’ worst defeats in history. They also pulled off a surprise 76-68 win at Allen Fieldhouse two years ago.
This season’s contest not only holds significance for team standings but also for individual accolades, as both teams look to solidify their positions in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference.
Coach’s Perspective
BYU coach Kevin Young emphasized the importance of focusing on team dynamics rather than individual matchups. He believes that executing their game plan is crucial for success against Kansas. Young noted that while the media emphasizes the Dybantsa-Peterson showdown, the goal remains winning as a team.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of this game could significantly impact the Big 12 tournament landscape. Both teams are in contention for a double-bye in March’s tournament, with limited room for error as the regular season nears its conclusion.
The atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse is expected to be electric, especially with the added attention from ESPN’s “College GameDay.” This is BYU’s first appearance on the show, underscoring the growing prominence of their basketball program.
As the Cougars and Jayhawks prepare for this crucial clash, all eyes will be on Kansas and BYU to see if the inexperienced Cougars can upset the storied Jayhawks on their home turf again.
