BYU Cougars at Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday, Jan. 31 | 4:30 PM ET | Allen Fieldhouse (Lawrence, KS) | ESPN
A national stage, a historic venue, and two of the Big 12’s most dangerous teams collide Saturday afternoon as BYU travels to Allen Fieldhouse to face Kansas. This matchup blends elite freshman star power, contrasting styles, and major conference implications. BYU enters with momentum and confidence behind one of the nation’s most electric scorers, while Kansas leans on experience, depth, and one of college basketball’s most intimidating home environments.
It’s a measuring-stick game for both programs — BYU looking to prove it belongs among the league’s elite, Kansas aiming to protect home floor and strengthen its grip on the conference race.
ESPN Analytics Snapshot
According to ESPN Analytics, Kansas holds a 62.5% win probability, compared to 37.5% for BYU, reflecting the Jayhawks’ defensive efficiency and dominance at Allen Fieldhouse. While BYU averages 86.7 points per game, Kansas counters by allowing just 67.3 points per contest and ranking among the nation’s best interior defenses. The numbers point to a competitive first half, with Kansas’ depth and rebounding likely becoming decisive late.
Resume Check
BYU (17–3, 5–2 Big 12)
BYU’s résumé is built on quality wins and consistent offensive production. The Cougars have defeated Wisconsin, Clemson, Arizona State, Utah (twice), and Kansas State, while pushing elite teams like Arizona and UConn to the wire. Offensively, BYU ranks among the nation’s most efficient units, shooting 49% from the field and spacing the floor with multiple perimeter threats. Their few losses have come against top-tier opponents, reinforcing their status as a legitimate Big 12 contender.
Kansas (15–5, 5–2 Big 12)
Kansas has navigated one of the nation’s toughest schedules, facing ranked opponents and physical conference battles almost weekly. The Jayhawks’ identity remains rooted in defense, holding opponents to 67.3 points per game while averaging 6.2 blocks per contest. Their résumé is defined by toughness, rebounding, and execution — especially at home, where Allen Fieldhouse continues to be a major advantage.
Players to Watch
BYU
AJ Dybantsa — 23.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.6 APG | 53.0% FG
The freshman phenom is the centerpiece of BYU’s offense. Dybantsa scores at all three levels, creates his own shot late in possessions, and consistently rises to the occasion against elite competition.
Richie Saunders — 18.8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG | 39.3% 3PT
Saunders provides scoring balance and perimeter spacing while setting the tone defensively. His ability to knock down open shots will be critical against Kansas’ help defense.
Robert Wright III — 17.5 PPG, 5.2 APG
Wright is the Cougars’ floor general. He controls tempo, initiates offense, and must handle Kansas’ ball pressure for BYU to stay in rhythm.
Kansas
Darryn Peterson — 21.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG | 49.3% FG, 42.0% 3PT
Peterson has emerged as Kansas’ primary scoring threat, blending physical drives with elite perimeter shooting. He thrives in big moments and sets the tone offensively.
Tre White — 14.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG | 43.0% 3PT
White’s versatility impacts every area of the game. He rebounds at a high level for a guard, defends multiple positions, and delivers timely scoring.
Flory Bidunga — 14.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.7 BPG | 66.7% FG
Bidunga anchors the Jayhawks’ interior defense. His rim protection and rebounding presence will be central to limiting BYU’s scoring in the paint.
How BYU Wins
BYU must dictate tempo and keep the floor spaced. Early offense, quick ball movement, and strong perimeter shooting will be essential to prevent Kansas from loading up defensively. Dybantsa needs room to operate, while Saunders and Wright must capitalize on open looks. Limiting second-chance points and avoiding foul trouble are non-negotiables in Lawrence.
How Kansas Wins
Kansas wins by controlling physicality and pace. The Jayhawks will funnel drives into Bidunga, dominate the glass, and force BYU into contested shots late in the clock. Offensively, Kansas can exploit mismatches through Peterson while using depth and experience to wear down the Cougars over 40 minutes.
Prediction
This is a marquee showdown between two of the nation’s best freshmen and two legitimate Big 12 contenders. Expect a fast pace, plenty of scoring, and big performances from both Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. In the end, the Allen Fieldhouse crowd proves to be the difference, as Kansas survives in a high-scoring thriller.
Kansas 90, BYU 87
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