Kansas Delivers Arizona’s First Loss Without Darryn Peterson
The Kansas Jayhawks delivered a significant upset by defeating the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats, handing them their first loss of the season. The final score was 82-78, played at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night. This victory was particularly notable as Arizona entered the game with a remarkable 23-1 record.
Kansas Defeats Arizona
The Jayhawks showcased their resilience despite missing freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who was sidelined due to flu-like symptoms. Peterson’s absence, coupled with his previous injury struggles, reshaped Kansas’ game strategy. Head coach Bill Self praised his team’s performance, stating that although they weren’t perfect, they pushed Arizona to play suboptimally.
Game Highlights
- Flory Bidunga: Achieved a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
- Melvin Council Jr.: Contributed 23 points, shooting impressively from the free-throw line.
- Tre White: Added crucial late free throws to bolster the lead.
- Additional Scorers: Bryson Tiller (18 points) and Jamari McDowell (10 points).
Arizona had a strong start, leading by three points at halftime and holding a maximum lead of 11 points during the game. However, Kansas made a pivotal comeback, with Bidunga’s layup giving them a narrow lead halfway through the second half. Council’s late-game performance at the free-throw line, where he hit 10 of 11 attempts, was critical in sealing Kansas’ victory.
Arizona’s Standouts
- Brayden Burries: Led Arizona with 25 points.
- Motiejus Krivas: Contributed 14 points.
- Ivan Kharchenkov: Added 13 points.
This match highlighted the ‘next-man-up’ mentality emphasized by Coach Self, showcasing Kansas’ depth. As the Jayhawks move forward in the season, they aim to build on this momentum, reminding fans and opponents alike of their competitive spirit.
