No. 9 Kansas beats top-ranked Arizona 82-78 for 8th straight win

Jayhawks back in contention in Big 12 after knocking off previously unbeaten Wildcats

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks knocked off the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats 82-78 on Monday night, extending their winning streak to eight games and moving back into contention in the Big 12 conference. Kansas trailed by as many as 11 points but rallied in the second half to secure the victory, which ended Arizona's 23-game winning streak, the second-longest in Division I men's basketball.

Why it matters

The win over the previously unbeaten Wildcats is a significant boost for Kansas, which had fallen out of the AP Top 25 poll less than a month ago. The Jayhawks are now just one game behind Arizona in the Big 12 standings, putting them firmly back in the conference title race.

The details

Kansas was led by senior guard Melvin Council Jr. and freshman Flory Bidunga, who each scored 23 points. Bidunga also grabbed 10 rebounds. The Jayhawks played without standout freshman Darryn Peterson, who missed the game due to flu-like symptoms. Despite the absence, Kansas rallied in the second half to take the lead and hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Melvin Council Jr.

A senior guard for the Kansas Jayhawks who scored 23 points in the win over Arizona.

Flory Bidunga

A freshman for the Kansas Jayhawks who scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victory.

Darryn Peterson

A standout freshman for the Kansas Jayhawks who missed the game due to flu-like symptoms.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who guided his team to the upset win over the top-ranked Wildcats.

Tommy Lloyd

The head coach of the Arizona Wildcats, who saw his team's 23-game winning streak come to an end against Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't lose this game. We were just ready and prepared and we knew it was going to be a long game with a bunch of runs.”

— Melvin Council Jr., Senior guard (WRAL)

“A lot of teams, this time of year, when you get to early February, they know where their ceiling is, and the great teams are operating pretty close to their ceiling. I don't know where our ceiling is, and I know that we're not close to it yet, though.”

— Bill Self, Head coach (WRAL)

“Kansas is a hell of a team. They beat the No. 1 team in the country at home tonight. They did a hell of a job and their coach did a hell of a job.”

— Tommy Lloyd, Head coach (WRAL)

What’s next

The Jayhawks will look to continue their hot streak and climb further up the Big 12 standings as they face their next conference opponent on Saturday, February 15th.

The takeaway

Kansas' impressive victory over the top-ranked Wildcats demonstrates the team's resilience and potential, as they have now re-emerged as a serious contender in the Big 12 race after falling out of the national rankings just a month ago. The Jayhawks' ability to rally from an early deficit and knock off the previously unbeaten Wildcats at home suggests they may have more upside than previously thought.