Jayhawks Look to Rebound Against Sun Devils After Arizona Loss

Kansas faces quick turnaround for road test at Arizona State following decisive defeat to No. 2 Arizona.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team faces a quick turnaround and a challenging road test against Arizona State on Tuesday night, just days after a decisive loss to No. 2 Arizona in Tucson. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. emphasized the need for increased toughness, while head coach Bill Self acknowledged the team's struggles in maintaining consistency against the Wildcats. Arizona State presents a unique challenge, as teams that have played Arizona this season have struggled in their subsequent games, with four of those losses coming against the Sun Devils.

Why it matters

This game is an important test for the Jayhawks as they look to rebound from the loss to Arizona and maintain their position in the Big 12 standings. The Sun Devils have proven to be a tough opponent for teams coming off games against the Wildcats, making this a critical matchup for Kansas as they aim to avoid becoming the latest victim of that trend.

The details

Kansas will need to show more toughness and focus against an Arizona State team that has been successful against opponents following their matchups with Arizona. The Sun Devils' offense is led by Moe Odum, who is averaging 17.9 points and 40.5% shooting from deep in conference play, while Massamba Diop provides a versatile presence inside and outside. Arizona State has also been utilizing a larger lineup featuring Trouet and Grbović alongside Diop.

  • The game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Central time.
  • Kansas is coming off a 87-70 loss to No. 2 Arizona on Saturday.

The players

Melvin Council Jr.

A Kansas guard who emphasized the need for increased toughness following the loss to Arizona.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who acknowledged the team's struggles in maintaining consistency against the Wildcats.

Moe Odum

The leading scorer for the Arizona State Sun Devils, averaging 17.9 points and 40.5% shooting from deep in conference play.

Massamba Diop

A versatile player for Arizona State who can operate both inside and outside, with the ability to make shots from 15-17 feet.

Santiago Trouet

An Arizona State player who recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Sun Devils' recent win over Utah.

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What they’re saying

“One can't back down from nobody. We can't take shortcuts when we got the lead, when we cut the lead down. We got to keep playing.”

— Melvin Council Jr., Kansas Guard (world-today-news.com)

“That would be a ridiculously hard game regardless, but we certainly made it harder on ourselves because we didn't do the things that I felt like we did the first time we played them and competed at the same level.”

— Bill Self, Kansas Head Coach (world-today-news.com)

“You know, he's pretty good in the short roll, he's pretty good facing the basket. He can make a shot, I think he's only made four on the year, 3s, but he's really good in that 15- to 17-foot range, and he's so long. He almost plays like a four-man that's playing the five, as far as away from the basket.”

— Bill Self, Kansas Head Coach (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.