Undefeated Arizona Faces Tough Test Against Kansas

Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd expects "incredible game" and "awesome atmosphere" in Monday's showdown at Allen Fieldhouse.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The undefeated University of Arizona men's basketball team, ranked No. 1 in the nation, will face a tough road test against the No. 11 University of Kansas Jayhawks on Monday night in a highly anticipated matchup. Arizona, which has won a school-record 23 straight games, will look to continue its historic start against a Kansas squad that has won seven games in a row and is 38-0 in Big Monday games at Allen Fieldhouse during the Bill Self era.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top teams in college basketball, with Arizona pursuing the first undefeated season since Indiana's 32-0 campaign in 1975-76. The matchup will provide a major early-season test for both squads as they look to position themselves for deep NCAA Tournament runs.

The details

Arizona, led by fifth-year head coach Tommy Lloyd, has been dominant this season, with impressive wins over the likes of Florida, UCLA, UConn, Auburn, and Alabama. The Wildcats boast a talented starting lineup that includes freshman standouts Brayden Burries, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Koa Peat, along with junior center Motiejus Krivas and senior guard Jaden Bradley. Kansas, meanwhile, is coming off a 71-59 win over Utah and has won 42 consecutive Big Monday games at home dating back to the Roy Williams era.

  • Arizona set a new school record with its 23rd consecutive victory on Saturday, breaking the long-standing mark of 22 straight wins set between 1914 and 1917.
  • Arizona also set the Big 12 Conference record for best start to a season, passing Kansas' 1996-97 squad that opened 22-0.
  • Monday's game will be the second meeting between Kansas and Arizona this season, with the Jayhawks defeating the Wildcats 83-76 last year in Lawrence.

The players

Tommy Lloyd

The fifth-year head coach of the University of Arizona men's basketball team.

Jaden Bradley

A senior guard for the University of Arizona who is a top-10 candidate for the Bob Cousy point guard of the year award and on the Naismith defensive player of the year watch list.

Bill Self

The head coach of the University of Kansas men's basketball team, who has led the Jayhawks to a 38-0 record in Big Monday games at Allen Fieldhouse during his tenure.

Darryn Peterson

A freshman player for the University of Kansas men's basketball team.

Tre White

A senior player for the University of Kansas men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We know they're going to give us an incredible game. It's going to be an awesome atmosphere. And I just have a feeling those Jayhawk fans are going to be out for blood. So you know what? We're here for it.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach, University of Arizona

“Come Monday, we're going to be ready to compete. Today, the biggest focus was Utah. So come Monday, we're going to have to battle and get a win against the undedefeated team.”

— Darryn Peterson, Freshman, University of Kansas

“It's a great opportunity. With their record, it's a big-time game, a game in our conference that we can't lose. We've got to come out strong.”

— Melvin Council Jr., Senior, University of Kansas

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 highly anticipated matchup between the undefeated Arizona Wildcats and the surging Kansas Jayhawks will provide a major early-season test for both teams as they look to establish themselves as national title contenders. The game is sure to feature an electric atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse, with the Jayhawks aiming to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.