Neither team played its best game of the season, but the matchup between No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Kansas is one that everyone will be talking about come March. In a game where Kansas found out their leading scorer would be absent from the court yet again this season, the Jayhawks banded together and found a way to get a win in the most electric environment in college basketball.
In the 82-78 upset win over No. 1 Arizona, No. 9 Kansas saw elite play from players like Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga again, but also from guys that had to step up and give minutes they are used to giving, like Jamari McDowell and Bryson Tiller. Without Peterson, the Jayhawks were still able to pull off the major win, proving they are more than just one player.
Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd was asked after the loss when he heard Peterson wouldn't be playing, and he said roughly 10 minutes prior to tipoff. Reporters tried asking more questions about the Peterson matter, but Lloyd made sure to shut it down and give all the credit to Kansas.
"Guys, Kansas is a hell of a team, let's not make this about Darryn Peterson," Lloyd said. "He didn't play because he was sick, 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, that should be the story."
Tommy Lloyd after taking questions on Darryn Peterson’s late scratch: “Let’s not make this about Darryn Peterson…they beat the number one team in the country at home tonight…” #kubball pic.twitter.com/aI53eivXiu
— Rachel Hallam (@KWCHRachelH) February 10, 2026
The Jayhawks took down one of the last two undefeated teams this season, and they did so in impressive fashion. Of course, Kansas fans and the team love Peterson, but he has shown he can't be counted on to be on the court consistently.
It felt like Peterson was taking a turn when it came to injuries and missing time, but the illness news hit just before tipoff. While Peterson is a great player and certainly makes this team better, the Jayhawks have shown, and in a big way, that they can get the job done even when he isn't there.
There is hope that Peterson will be better in time to compete against No. 5 Iowa State on Saturday, but if not, the Jayhawks will have to fight again, this time in a hostile environment against them. Ames is not an easy place to play, and the Cyclones will be looking for revenge after the loss to KU earlier this season that ended their undefeated campaign.