Kansas and TCU Set for Big 12 Quarterfinal Clash

No. 14 Kansas looks to bounce back against surging No. 6 TCU in tournament showdown

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:55pm

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No. 14 Kansas is set to face off against the hot-streaking No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament on Thursday in Kansas City. The Jayhawks are looking to rebound after losing four of their final seven regular season games, while TCU enters the matchup having won six straight. Star freshman guard Darryn Peterson is expected to play a key role for Kansas after missing time earlier in the season due to injuries.

Why it matters

This game represents an important tune-up for both teams ahead of the NCAA Tournament, as they look to build momentum and solidify their seeding. Kansas is projected as a higher seed than TCU despite similar records, so a strong performance could help the Horned Frogs improve their tournament positioning.

The details

Kansas (22-9) ended the regular season with a win over rival Kansas State, but lost four of their final seven games after an eight-game winning streak earlier in the year. TCU (22-10) is riding a six-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the Big 12, after defeating Oklahoma State in their tournament opener. The Jayhawks have high-profile wins over ranked opponents, while the Horned Frogs have struggled with their shooting percentage in conference play.

  • The game will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Kansas ended the regular season on Saturday, March 7, 2026 with a win over Kansas State.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A star freshman guard for Kansas who is averaging a team-high 19.9 points per game. He missed 11 regular season games due to various injuries but has turned a corner health-wise heading into the postseason.

David Punch

The leading scorer for TCU, averaging 14.0 points per game. He had a career-high 26 points in the Horned Frogs' tournament-opening win over Oklahoma State.

Xavier Edmonds

A key contributor for TCU who recorded his sixth double-double in the last eight games in the win over Oklahoma State.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who is looking to guide his team to a strong showing in the Big 12 tournament.

Jamie Dixon

The head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs, who believes his team is much improved since their earlier loss to Kansas in January.

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What they’re saying

“I'm feeling good. It's perfect timing, if you ask me, going into the Big 12 tournament and NCAA. I'm feeling probably the best I've felt all year.”

— Darryn Peterson

“That's the best he's moved all year long, without a question.”

— Bill Self, Kansas Head Coach

“We played hard, but we're a lot better team than we were then. I think that was a good -- I wouldn't say a good experience but a learning experience.”

— Jamie Dixon, TCU Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Kansas-TCU matchup will advance to the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This quarterfinal clash between Kansas and TCU represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to build momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks are looking to regain their early-season form, while the Horned Frogs aim to prove they are a legitimate threat in the Big 12 and beyond.