No. 1 Arizona’s unbeaten run came to an end after a dramatic 78–74 loss to No. 9 Kansas on February 10, 2026, in Lawrence. The Wildcats entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record, but Kansas produced a strong second-half comeback to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the NCAA season.
The result not only ended Arizona’s winning streak but also strengthened Kansas’ position as a serious contender heading into the crucial phase of the college basketball season.
Match Summary
The game started with Arizona in control. The Wildcats played with confidence in the first half and carried a 42–38 lead into the break. However, the momentum shifted completely after halftime.
The goat. pic.twitter.com/4Z9ZMCsiCz
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) February 10, 2026
— No Context Kansas Basketball (@NoContextKUBB) February 10, 2026
Kansas tightened its defense and increased the intensity on both ends of the floor. The Jayhawks produced a decisive 18–4 run in the final eight minutes, followed by a crucial 9–0 stretch late in the game to take control.
Arizona tried to close the gap with late three-point attempts, but Kansas stayed calm at the free-throw line to secure the win.
Match Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Result | Kansas 78 – 74 Arizona |
| Venue | Lawrence, Kansas |
| Arizona Record | 18–1 |
| Kansas Ranking | No. 9 (moving up) |
| Game Turning Point | Kansas 18–4 run in final 8 minutes |
Key Performers
Kansas delivered a complete team performance, led by their frontcourt dominance and defensive stops in the closing minutes.
Kansas Jayhawks
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Hunter Dickinson | 24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks |
| Dajuan Harris Jr. | 14 points, 8 assists, 4 steals |
| KJ Adams Jr. | 12 points, 6 rebounds |
Kansas shot 48% from the field and hit 9 three-pointers, showing efficiency in key moments.
Arizona Wildcats
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Caleb Love | 22 points, 4 assists |
| K.J. Lewis | 16 points |
| Oumar Ballo | 12 points, 9 rebounds |
Arizona struggled from long range, making just 7 of 25 three-point attempts, which proved costly in a close game.
What the Coaches Said
Kansas head coach Bill Self praised his team’s resilience, highlighting their defensive focus and rebounding effort in the second half. He emphasized that the team never lost belief even when trailing.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd admitted that his team played well for most of the game but made key mistakes late under pressure. He described the loss as a learning moment that could help the team improve before the postseason.
Rankings Impact and What’s Next
Despite the loss, Arizona remains at the top of the national rankings for now, but the gap has narrowed. Teams like Gonzaga and Duke are now close behind and could challenge for the No. 1 spot in the coming weeks.
Kansas, on the other hand, is expected to rise in the rankings after this statement win.
Upcoming Games
| Team | Next Match |
|---|---|
| Arizona | vs Duke – February 12 |
| Kansas | vs Houston – February 11 |
Many analysts believe this defeat could benefit Arizona in the long run, as the early-season loss provides a reality check before the tournament stretch.
This result is being seen as one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 NCAA season so far. Kansas proved their strength on home court and showed they can compete with the nation’s best teams.
For Arizona, the perfect record is gone, but their championship hopes remain strong. How they respond in the next few games will be the real test as the race toward March continues.
