From the opening tip, it was clear Saturday afternoon belonged to the Kansas Jayhawks.
Behind a blistering first half from Darryn Peterson, elite three-point shooting, and disciplined defensive execution, Kansas cruised past the BYU Cougars 90–82 at Allen Fieldhouse, controlling the game virtually wire to wire.
Kansas set the tone early with pace, spacing, and confidence. The Jayhawks raced out to a double-digit lead in the first half, fueled by Peterson’s explosive scoring stretch. The sophomore guard poured in all 18 of his points before halftime, repeatedly punishing BYU’s defense off the dribble and from beyond the arc. Whether it was spot-up threes, transition pull-ups, or strong finishes at the rim, Peterson was the engine behind Kansas’ early separation.
While Peterson led the charge, he wasn’t alone. Kansas as a team shot an outstanding 50 percent from three-point range (11-for-22), consistently stretching BYU’s defense and opening driving lanes. Bryson Tiller added 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, while Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White combined for 27 more, giving Kansas balanced scoring across the lineup.
The Jayhawks’ offensive efficiency was matched by their defensive focus — particularly on BYU star AJ Dybantsa. Entering the game as one of the nation’s most dynamic scorers, Dybantsa was met with physical on-ball defense and quick help rotations. Kansas limited his rhythm early, forcing tough looks and preventing him from finding a groove in transition. Dybantsa finished with 17 points, but much of his production came after Kansas had already built a comfortable cushion.
By halftime, Kansas held a commanding 53–33 advantage, firmly in control. ESPN Analytics reflected that dominance, with the Jayhawks holding over a 97 percent win probability for most of the second half.
BYU showed resilience after the break, leaning on Richie Saunders’ outstanding performance. Saunders led all scorers with 33 points and 10 rebounds, knocking down six three-pointers and keeping the Cougars within striking distance. Robert Wright III chipped in 18, and BYU briefly trimmed the margin in the final minutes.
But every time momentum threatened to swing, Kansas responded. Timely baskets, smart shot selection, and strong rebounding prevented BYU from mounting a serious comeback. The Jayhawks finished with a 57 percent field-goal mark and committed just six turnovers, a testament to their poise and execution.
In the end, this was a complete performance from Kansas — dominant early, composed late, and sharp on both ends of the floor. Peterson’s first-half eruption set the foundation, the three-point shooting widened the gap, and the defensive game plan neutralized BYU’s biggest weapon.
For Kansas, the win reinforces their status as a Big 12 contender built for March. For BYU, despite strong individual efforts, Saturday served as a reminder of how slim the margin is against elite opponents — especially in one of college basketball’s toughest environments.
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