Kansas’s 82-78 victory over previously undefeated Arizona on Monday evening has opened the door for Michigan to ascend to the No. 1 ranking in college basketball, according to multiple reports.
Flory Bidunga led the Jayhawks with 23 points and 10 rebounds, handing Arizona its first loss of the season. The Wildcats had started the year 23-0, achieving the best start in Big 12 history before the defeat at Allen Fieldhouse. It was Kansas’s first win over a No. 1 ranked team at home, breaking a five-game losing streak that included a previous loss to Arizona in 2003.
Michigan, currently ranked No. 2 in both the USA Today coaches poll and the Associated Press poll, is 22-1 overall with a 12-1 record in the Big Ten Conference. Their only loss this season came against Wisconsin on January 10th, 91-88. Since then, the Wolverines have won eight consecutive games, including victories over Nebraska and Michigan State, both of whom were ranked in the top 10 at the time of the contests.
The updated AP Poll is scheduled to be released on Monday, and analysts anticipate Michigan will take the top spot. The Wolverines face Northwestern on Wednesday night and will then host UCLA at the Crisler Center on Saturday. Success in both games is expected to solidify their claim to the No. 1 ranking.
Kansas, now 19-5 overall and 9-2 in the Big 12, won despite playing without freshman Darryn Peterson, who was sidelined due to flu-like symptoms. Peterson has been hampered by injuries throughout the season, including an ankle sprain, hamstring strain, and chronic cramping, causing him to miss 11 games.
Arizona rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half, but Kansas ultimately prevailed. With 34 seconds remaining, Arizona pulled within one point, 77-76, following a three-pointer by Brayden Burries. Yet, Kansas secured the win with free throws and a blocked shot by Bidunga.
The outcome of the Kansas-Arizona game has also intensified the conversation surrounding the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, placing both Michigan and Arizona as leading contenders. Michigan is scheduled to host 2027 recruit Devin Cleveland on March 8th, as he visits to watch the Wolverines play Michigan State.
