No. 1 Arizona men’s basketball team (23-0, 10-0 in Big 12) look to continue their historic run on Monday, Feb. 9 as they head to Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas to take on the University of Kansas (18-5, 8-2 in Big 12).
After Arizona’s most recent victory against Oklahoma State University, they broke the record for the best start in Big 12 history as they remain undefeated this far into the season. The only two undefeated teams remaining are Arizona and Miami University who are going 24-0.
Arizona key players
Freshman guard Brayden Burries leads the Wildcats averaging 15.3 points to go along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Burries stretches the floor leading the Wildcats in 3-pointer attempts with 98 so far this season. He is expected to be a crucial part of the Wildcats’ offense and a player who can swing the momentum in Arizona’s favor.
Another star freshman for Arizona is forward Koa Peat, who averages 14.6 points, 2.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game. Peat is a dominant force down low and uses his physicality to draw in defenders. He is able to use this physicality to make passes that set his teammates up with the best shot. If Peat can find his shot down low, it’s going to be a long night for the Kansas forwards.
Kansas key players
For the Jayhawks, their freshman guard Darryn Peterson has been on a run this season averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Peterson is going to get to his spots and affect the game by shooting 3-pointers and free throws. The Wildcats have to stay connected and disciplined if they want to keep Peterson in check.
Next up is sophomore forward Flory Bidunga. Bidunga averages 14.6 points a game as well as the pairing of 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Bidunga is very efficient with his shot selection as he leads the team with a 0.68 field goal percentage.
Keys to the game
For the Wildcats, they have to keep up their strong defense and outrebound Kansas in order to score those second chance points. Arizona averages 13 more rebounds than their opponents per game. The assists play a big part in this as well; they average six more per game allowing the Wildcats to set each other up for the perfect shot. Finally, if they keep the turnovers down like they have been doing all season, it should see the Wildcats go towards 24 straight wins.
For Kansas, it will also be about controlling the glass as they outrebound their opponents by three rebounds a game. Kansas will also have to be more disciplined on the offensive side of the ball, as they commit more turnovers than their opponents by one.
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