How No. 9 Kansas Handed No. 1 Arizona Its First Loss, Even Without Star Darryn Peterson
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Bill Self's team had been waiting for a moment like this. After watching the North Carolina buzzer beater and the students rushing the floor, Self's hope was realized two days later at Allen Fieldhouse. While no court storming occurred, the 63-year-old coach celebrated like never before, especially after an 82-78 win over Arizona, the Wildcats' first loss of the season.
The circumstances were unique. Less than an hour before tip-off, Self discovered star player Darryn Peterson in the training room, suffering from flu-like symptoms and unable to play. This was Peterson's 11th game missed this season. Despite the setback, Self's team rose to the challenge, proving their mettle without their star player.
The Jayhawks' success without Peterson can be attributed to their recent defensive prowess. They've figured out how to make their opponents play poorly, a strategy that started in November at the Player's Era Festival, where they went 3-0 without Peterson. However, once Peterson returned, the team lost their way, losing two of their first three Big 12 games and allowing 89 points per game.
A player's-only meeting was held, and the realization dawned that becoming a dominant defensive team was crucial. Since then, Kansas has boasted the third-best defense in college basketball, according to Bart Torvik's data. The first half of the game against Arizona was a surprise, as the teams traded baskets for 20 minutes, with Arizona leading 45-42.
Arizona's 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas dominated the paint, scoring eight points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking three shots in the first half. KU center Flory Bidunga, arguably the best defensive center in college basketball over the last month, looked small next to Krivas, who easily threw in two early hooks over Bidunga's reach.
Despite the initial surprise, the Jayhawks nearly evened the score at halftime. Senior point guard Melvin Council Jr., the go-to option when Peterson is out, was just 2-of-10 from the field. However, freshman forward Bryson Tiller and redshirt sophomore Jamari McDowell, who started in place of Peterson, had hot starts, scoring 14 and 10 points, respectively.
The Wildcats' length eventually led to several misses and turnovers, allowing the Jayhawks to stretch their lead to double digits. Early in the second half, Arizona opened with a 10-2 run, taking an 11-point lead. But Council's 3-pointer sparked a 9-2 run for KU, keeping them in the game.
Council and Bidunga, who finished with 23 points apiece, kept attacking the rim, whether Krivas was there or not. Even when they missed, the Jayhawks scraped and clawed for offensive rebounds, keeping the ball on the rim until it went in. The team nearly fought themselves to exhaustion, fueled by the raucous crowd at Allen Fieldhouse.
The defense won the game in the second half, with Bidunga's rim protection as intimidating as Krivas' in the first half. He didn't get as many blocked shots, but his presence made a big difference. In the final minute, Bidunga sealed the game with a block on Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, a play Self called as big as any they've had.
Self's appreciation for his players was evident, hugging Bidunga and Council after the game. This was the third hug for Bidunga this season, and Council quickly became one of Self's all-time favorites, a popular player who owns the place.
Self's ability to find players who fit his style has been a fair critique in the portal era, but he's found that in Council. After two years of not competing for Big 12 titles, this team is in the race, trailing Houston and Arizona by one game after Monday's win.
Self's excitement was palpable, knowing their best ball is yet to come. The possibility of what's ahead might be what had him in his feels, as he believes they can still take another big step.
