The No. 1 Arizona Wildcats will bring their perfect 23-0 record, the best start in Big 12 history, into the hostile environment of Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night to face the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks, for what recently became a Top 10 matchup. The most recent AP rankings moved the Jayhawks from No. 11 to No. 9, bringing them within the Top 10 for tonight's battle on the hardwood.
The Big 12 has never seen a start to the season like what Arizona has had, but they aren't the only ones on the court with history in the record books. When Kansas has played in ESPN's Big Monday game, the Jayhawks have never lost, making them a perfect 38-0 under head coach Bill Self.
Arizona's 23-0 start is the best start in Big 12 history.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 9, 2026
Kansas has NEVER lost at home on ESPN's Big Monday.
Something's gotta give tonight at Allen Fieldhouse.
This is ONLY February.
One team will be facing a big loss tonight, bringing a monster streak to an end in a big way. Kansas could also lose its current seven-game win streak with a loss against the Wildcats tonight. Arizona should be feeling the pressure, though, bringing an undefeated record to Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas students are packed tightly into the building, and have been for a while, as they have camped out to make the environment as hostile as possible for Arizona. This is one of the biggest matchups of the season in the Big 12, and it is only February.
A win for Kansas could help the Jayhawks make up some big ground in the Big 12 with a win, only two losses in conference play so far. A loss would strengthen Arizona's lead and potentially put the regular-season title a little too far out of reach for the Jayhawks.
It will all come to a head Monday night as these two powerhouse programs face off in what should be an electric showdown in the toughest conference in college basketball.