Kansas rallied to defeat previously undefeated Arizona 82-78 Monday night in a highly anticipated matchup at Allen Fieldhouse, ending the Wildcats’ perfect season and vaulting Michigan to the No. 1 ranking in college basketball.
The game, initially marked by disappointment due to the late scratch of Arizona’s star freshman Darryn Peterson with flu-like symptoms, still delivered a thrilling contest. Peterson’s absence, announced just an hour before tipoff, raised questions, though coach Bill Self acknowledged the legitimacy of the illness.
Despite Peterson’s absence, Arizona led by as much as 11 points in the second half before Kansas stormed back, fueled by a raucous home crowd. Kansas coach Bill Self credited Allen Fieldhouse with playing a decisive role in the victory, stating, “this place won this game tonight.”
Melvin Council Jr. Led the Jayhawks with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and a steal, taking 25 shots despite only making six. His performance, described as feeling like that of a star despite the shooting struggles, was pivotal in securing the win.
The victory propels Kansas to No. 9 in the updated CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings. More significantly, Arizona’s loss opens the door for Michigan to claim the No. 1 spot. Dusty May’s Wolverines, now 22-1 with eight Quadrant 1 victories, also hold the No. 1 ranking in the NET, KenPom.com, and BartTorvik.com.
Michigan’s ascent to the top comes at a crucial time, as they prepare for a Wednesday game against Northwestern. Arizona falls to No. 2, while Kansas rises to No. 2 in the CBS Sports Bracketology model, surpassing Nebraska.
The outcome of Monday night’s game significantly alters the NCAA Tournament landscape, with Michigan now positioned as the No. 1 overall seed in CBS Sports Bracketology. The shift reflects not only Arizona’s defeat but also Michigan’s strong profile and consistent performance throughout the season.
The game highlighted the importance of home-court advantage, with Allen Fieldhouse proving to be a formidable environment for the Wildcats. The win serves as a resume-defining victory for Kansas, adding to their impressive list of wins against Tennessee, Iowa State, and Texas Tech.
Despite the disappointment surrounding Peterson’s absence, the contest delivered on its promise of high-level college basketball, showcasing the competitive spirit and unpredictable nature of the sport. The result sets the stage for an exciting finish to the regular season and a compelling NCAA Tournament bracket.
