Arizona Wildcats Secure Share of Big 12 Title with Dominating Win Over Kansas TUCSON, ARIZONA – The Arizona Wildcats clinched at least a share of the Big 12 title on Saturday, defeating the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks 84-61 at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. The victory marks a significant achievement for head coach Tommy Lloyd, tying him with Brad Stevens for the most wins in their first five seasons as a Division I head coach with 139. The Wildcats’ triumph was fueled by decisive runs – a 19-0 surge in the first half and a 16-0 burst after halftime – that stifled any comeback attempt by the Jayhawks. Arizona’s dominance on the boards, finishing with a plus-22 rebound advantage, and efficient free-throw shooting (30 of 34) further cemented their control of the game. Kansas managed only 10 of 11 free throws. Brayden Burries led Arizona in scoring with 20 points, accompanied by a career-high 12 rebounds and five assists. Koa Peat, returning from a three-game absence due to a lower leg muscle strain, contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, along with five assists. Motiejus Krivas added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks, as five Wildcats scored in double figures. Despite a strong individual performance from Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Jayhawks struggled as a team. Peterson scored 24 points, but shot 8 of 21 from the field, while his teammates combined for 14 of 43 shooting. The Wildcats built a 39-28 lead by halftime, extending it after Kansas narrowed the gap to two points in the second half. Arizona outscored Kansas 35-14 over the final 12 minutes. Arizona (27-2, 14-2) has the opportunity to win the Big 12 title outright on Monday night when they host No. 4 Iowa State. Kansas fell to 21-8 overall and 11-5 in conference play. The Jayhawks had previously defeated Arizona on February 9th.
