Particle.news
Download on the App Store

No. 14 Kansas Fends Off No. 13 BYU 90–82 After Big First-Half Surge

Efficient shooting paired with late poise secured Kansas’ fifth straight win.

Jan 31, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) shoots against Kansas Jayhawks forward Bryson Tiller (15) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Owen Freeman (32) shoots the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) during the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA;  Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) controls the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies forward Tobi Lawal (1) defends during the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Saint Mary's Gaels guard Joshua Dent (7) makes a basket against Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (15) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Gonzaga Bulldogs won 73-65. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Kansas moved to 16–5 overall and 6–2 in the Big 12, while BYU fell to 17–4 and 5–3 with three losses in their last four games.
  • Bryson Tiller led the Jayhawks with 21 points, with Darryn Peterson adding 18, Flory Bidunga 16, Melvin Council Jr. 15 and Tre White 12.
  • The Jayhawks shot 57.1% from the field and went 11-of-22 from three, including a 64.3% first half with 75% from deep to take a 53–33 halftime lead.
  • Richie Saunders powered BYU’s rally with a career-high 33 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Robert Wright III’s 18 and AJ Dybantsa’s 17.
  • BYU closed to 82–78 after second-half runs of 11–2 and 18–4 before Council’s runner, two Jamari McDowell free throws and late dunks sealed the result.