After an inconsistent start to the conference schedule, Kansas has settled in nicely at 3–2 in Big 12 play (13–5 overall). The Jayhawks just capped off a strong week in Lawrence with enormous wins this past Tuesday and Friday.
On Friday night, KU dominated the Baylor Bears, winning convincingly, 80–62. Darryn Peterson and Flory Bidunga looked like the best duo in the country, combining for 49 points despite Peterson playing just 23 minutes. If the team can perform at that level consistently, it has a real shot to compete for a national championship.
They will now try to carry that momentum into the new week with two road games against Colorado (Tuesday) and Kansas State (Saturday). The Jayhawks have struggled mightily in true road environments as of late, posting a poor 6–15 record in Big 12 road games dating back to the 2023–24 season.
As we all know, life on the road in the Big 12 is never easy, regardless of opponent. That’s especially true when you wear the “Kansas” name across your chest, as teams always bring their best effort to make it a memorable night.
Colorado (12–6) isn’t projected to be an NCAA Tournament team, but the Buffaloes have shown potential at home, narrowly dropping a game to Texas Tech by just two points. Despite being on a current three-game skid, Boulder will still be buzzing when the Jayhawks roll into town, as KU alum Tad Boyle will be desperate for a résumé-defining win. The task will be tall, but the Jayhawks will be favored and should find a way to pull off the job to avoid dropping to 13–6 and 3–3 in Big 12 play.
An away day in Manhattan awaits
Kansas State (9–9) has had a rough go through the first half of the season. While it’s likely too late for Jerome Tang to turn things around for the Wildcats, Manhattan will undeniably be rocking for this one. On the bright side for K-State, no matter how well or poorly they’re playing (currently on a five-game losing streak and winless in Big 12 play), the Sunflower Showdown always has the potential to make or break their season.
Kansas fans know this matchup always comes with a high degree of difficulty and will be locked into their screens on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks must wait until senior night on March 7 to host the Wildcats in the Phog.
This mini road trip is just one of two instances all season in which KU plays back-to-back true road games, the other being at Iowa State (2/14) and at Oklahoma State (2/18).
Coming out 2–0 again this week, heading into the home matchup against BYU would be enormous for Kansas and could really heighten the significance of the matchup between Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, the NBA’s projected top two picks in the upcoming draft.
Now ranked at No. 19 in the AP poll, can the Jayhawks ride their momentum and extend their string of dominant victories into the new week?
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