No. 13 BYU vs No. 14 Kansas: Preview, Matchups, and Prediction
- Joseph Klein
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
No. 13 BYU (17-3) vs. No. 14 Kansas (15-5)
Date: January 31, 2026
Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
Time: 4:30 PM ET on ESPN
How do these two teams match up?
The Kansas Jayhawks enter this matchup at 15–5, riding a four-game winning streak that includes a dominant 21-point victory over No. 2 Iowa State. Four of Kansas’ five losses this season have come against ranked opponents. They now face No. 13 BYU, though Kansas is in a much better position for this game compared to their previous matchups against ranked teams. Offensively, Kansas currently ranks 32nd in offensive rating.
Kansas has one player who has dominated headlines all season: Darryn Peterson. Peterson is averaging 21.6 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds per game. He has been phenomenal for Kansas and is widely projected as a top-three pick in the NBA Draft. However, Kansas will need additional scoring support to keep pace with BYU’s explosive offense.
Luckily, the Jayhawks have multiple capable guards. Tre White is averaging 14.9 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. While he shoots 43% from three-point range, much of his damage comes from using his 6’7” frame to attack mismatches. Melvin Council Jr. is another key contributor, averaging 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His playmaking ability is vital to keeping Kansas’ offense flowing.
It hasn’t just been guard play for Kansas. The Jayhawks rank 18th in near-proximity shot percentage, largely thanks to their frontcourt. Flory Bidunga has been outstanding, averaging 14.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 66.7% from the field, almost entirely on shots inside the arc. Bidunga thrives in the paint and has been a force defensively as well, ranking ninth in the country in blocks at 2.7 per game.
Defensively, Kansas ranks 13th in defensive rating and is elite across the board. They allow the lowest opponent field-goal percentage in the nation, rank 15th in defending the three-point shot, sixth-best against midrange attempts, and fourth-best in near-proximity defense. On paper, Kansas’ defense has no clear weaknesses. However, they will be tested against BYU, which owns the 11th-best offensive rating in the country.
BYU enters this game coming off a tough home loss to No. 1 Arizona. In a contest where they had a chance to take the lead with four seconds remaining, the Cougars came up just short. Now, they look to bounce back on the road against Kansas. BYU is 17–3 overall and ranked 13th in the country.
Offensively, BYU has been one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. They average 86.7 points per game, ranking 21st nationally in scoring. Like Kansas, BYU also has a star player drawing national attention: AJ Dybantsa. The freshman phenom is averaging 23.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. A projected top-three NBA Draft pick, Dybantsa has been consistently elite, excelling at attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. Perhaps most impressive is his consistency, as he has scored 20 or more points in 12 of his last 13 games dating back to November.
Surrounding Dybantsa is a strong supporting cast. Richie Saunders averages 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and is a versatile scorer who can heat up quickly from beyond the arc. Robert Wright III, a transfer from Baylor, has been a key addition, averaging 17.5 points and 5.2 assists per game. Wright is the engine that powers BYU’s offense, providing scoring and playmaking at a high level. These three scorers will be the primary challenge for Kansas’ defense.
Defensively, BYU ranks inside the top 40 in defensive rating but does not stand out statistically. One concern has been their struggles defending guards against ranked opponents:
Arizona: Jaden Bradley (26 points), Brayden Burries (29 points)
Texas Tech: Christian Anderson (22 points)
Clemson: Jestin Porter (17 points, team-leading scorer)
UConn: Silas Demary Jr. (21 points)
Now, BYU must face one of the best guards in the country in Darryn Peterson.
Keys for BYU to Win
Slow down Darryn Peterson: As noted, BYU has struggled to contain elite guards. Interior defense has not been the issue, with center Keba Keita protecting the paint effectively. Peterson must be made uncomfortable, as his rhythm dictates Kansas’ offense.
Make it a high-scoring game: BYU thrives in fast-paced, high-scoring games in the 90s. They are not built to grind out low-scoring contests in the 60s. While Kansas has the better defense, BYU holds the edge offensively.
Keys for Kansas to Win
Take AJ Dybantsa out of the game: Dybantsa has scored fewer than 20 points only once since November, and BYU lost that game. The math is simple: limit AJ, slow BYU’s offense, and Kansas gives itself a strong chance to win.
Create extra possessions: This will likely be a high-scoring game. Kansas cannot afford empty trips down the floor and must generate second-chance opportunities to keep pace with BYU.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than top-15 men’s college basketball to close out January. This matchup features arguably the two best players in the country:
BYU: AJ Dybantsa
Kansas: Darryn Peterson
Ultimately, the game will come down to which star receives more help from his supporting cast. While Kansas has the defensive edge, BYU’s overall offensive firepower gives them the advantage.
Prediction: BYU wins in a shootout.
