ASU Upsets No. 14 Kansas in Emotional Senior Night Victory

Sun Devils' 'Guard U' defense stifles potential NBA lottery pick Darryn Peterson in 70-60 win

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In an emotional senior night matchup, the Arizona State Sun Devils upset the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks 70-60 behind a stifling 'Guard U' defensive performance. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson, a potential 2026 NBA lottery pick, was held to just 15 points on 2-of-11 shooting as ASU clamped down on the Jayhawks' guards. The Sun Devils led by as many as 20 points in the first half, fueled by the ejection of Kansas head coach Bill Self. Though the Jayhawks mounted a late comeback, key plays from seniors Moe Odum and Anthony 'Pig' Johnson sealed the victory for ASU.

Why it matters

This win over a top-15 opponent provides a much-needed boost for an Arizona State program that has struggled in recent years, failing to make the NCAA Tournament since the peak of the 'Guard U' era under head coach Bobby Hurley. The emotional senior night victory also serves as a potential swan song for Hurley, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season and has not yet signed a new deal with the university.

The details

ASU's defense was the story of the game, as they held Peterson - a potential 2026 NBA lottery pick - to just 2-of-11 shooting and 15 points. The Sun Devils clogged the paint and forced the Jayhawks' guards to make jump shots, a strategy that paid dividends in the first half as ASU built a 20-point lead. The momentum shifted after Kansas head coach Bill Self was ejected in the first half, but the Sun Devils were able to hold on down the stretch behind timely plays from seniors Odum and Johnson.

  • Kansas head coach Bill Self was ejected from the game with 6:07 left in the first half.
  • ASU led by 20 points at halftime, its largest margin of the season.

The players

Bobby Hurley

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils, who has been at the helm of the program for 11 seasons. Hurley is 3-1 all-time against Kansas as a head coach, with the wins coming in 2018, 2019, and this game.

Darryn Peterson

A 6-6 freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks who is projected to be a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson was held to a season-low 16.7% shooting and just 2-of-11 from 3-point range.

Moe Odum

A senior guard for the Arizona State Sun Devils who scored 23 points, dished out 6 assists, and hit 5 3-pointers in the emotional senior night victory.

Anthony 'Pig' Johnson

A senior guard for the Arizona State Sun Devils who scored 9 crucial points, including a timely 3-pointer in the second half to help seal the win.

Massamba Diop

A freshman forward for the Arizona State Sun Devils who scored 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, stealing the show as the most exciting player on the floor.

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What they’re saying

“The first half was kind of like an out-of-body experience. A very unusual first half. I thought we played as good a defense as we played all season in that half and overall the whole game.”

— Bobby Hurley, Head Coach, Arizona State Sun Devils (on3.com)

“If he says, 'Guard U', then it's we've got to have his back to show it's 'Guard U.'”

— Moe Odum, Senior Guard, Arizona State Sun Devils (on3.com)

“It was heavy on me, I cried. I cried before the game. I cried with my mom and dad. Me and [Johnson] cried together. It was super emotional. Because four years in college is hard, like it's not easy, especially where we come from. We could be anywhere right now.”

— Moe Odum, Senior Guard, Arizona State Sun Devils (on3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.