In a thrilling upset, the 9th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks took down the mighty Arizona Wildcats, 82-78, on February 9, 2026. This game had all the makings of a classic, and it didn't disappoint!
Flory Bidunga was the hero for Kansas, delivering a powerful double-double performance. With 23 points and 10 rebounds, he led his team to victory over the previously unbeaten Arizona, who were riding a 23-game winning streak. This streak was second only to Miami (Ohio) in Division I men's basketball.
The Wildcats, despite their impressive record of 23-1, couldn't maintain their dominance in Allen Fieldhouse. Arizona's freshman guard, Darryn Peterson, was a notable absence due to flu-like symptoms, having already missed 11 games with various injuries.
Arizona started strong, leading by three points at halftime and extending their lead to 11 points. But Kansas fought back, taking their first lead of the game with just over nine minutes left in the second half. Flory Bidunga's layup during a personal 7-point run was a pivotal moment, shifting the momentum in Kansas' favor.
The Wildcats refused to go down without a fight. They closed the gap to a one-point game with 34 seconds remaining, but Kansas' senior guard, Melvin Council Jr., kept his cool. He sank 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute, securing the win. Tre White also contributed with two crucial late free throws.
Four Kansas players reached double digits in scoring, including Bryson Tiller with 18 points and Jamari McDowell with 10. For Arizona, freshman guard Brayden Burries led the way with 25 points, followed by Motiejus Krivas (14 points) and Ivan Kharchenkov (13 points).
This victory is a testament to Kansas' resilience and determination. But here's where it gets interesting: can they maintain this momentum in their upcoming game against Iowa State? And what about Arizona's next challenge against Texas Tech? Will they bounce back from this defeat?
The college basketball season is full of surprises, and this game was no exception. What do you think about this upset? Was it a fluke, or does it signal a shift in the rankings? Share your thoughts below!
