In a shocking turn of events, the No. 23 Kansas Jayhawks faced a crushing defeat at the hands of BYU, losing 91-57 in a game that highlighted their struggles in Big 12 play. This loss matched their largest margin of defeat under coach Bill Self's tenure, echoing their previous defeat to USC in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Notably, this marked the first time since the inception of the AP Top 25 poll in 1948 that Kansas lost by 30-plus points against an unranked team. The Jayhawks have been on a downward spiral, having lost four of their last six games since the beginning of February.
The Jayhawks' senior center expressed the team's awareness of the criticism they would face following such a significant loss, emphasizing the lack of sympathy in the competitive landscape of college basketball today.
BYU dominated the game, shooting 52% from the field and making 14 3-pointers, securing their third consecutive victory. Kansas never posed a threat, with BYU showcasing exceptional performance on both ends of the court.
Coach Self acknowledged the team's defensive shortcomings, admitting that they failed to execute their game plan effectively. BYU's impressive performance included 24 assists and 14 steals, marking a standout game against a ranked opponent in the last 25 seasons.
BYU's victory propels them into fifth place in the Big 12 standings, underscoring their resurgence after a slow start in conference play. The team's coach commended their execution of the game plan and the players' efforts on both offense and defense.
This win against a historically strong program like Kansas serves as a significant milestone for BYU, showcasing their growth and ability to compete at a high level. The Cougars' recent success reflects their determination and improvement throughout the season.
Overall, the game between Kansas and BYU was a clear demonstration of contrasting trajectories, with BYU's dominance highlighting Kansas' struggles in recent games. The result will undoubtedly spark discussions and analysis within the college basketball community as both teams navigate the remainder of their respective seasons.
