Arizona Aims for Redemption Against Kansas in Big 12 Quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Arizona will seek redemption against Kansas in the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. MST, less than a week after suffering a defeat to the Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse.

The No. 6 seeded Jayhawks advanced to the quarterfinals following an intense 98-94 overtime victory over UCF on Wednesday night. Kansas, now 21-11 for the season, held a 13-point lead in the second half but was forced into overtime by UCF’s Jordan Ivy-Curry, who tied the game with a last-minute three-pointer.

“We had some defensive lapses, but I’m proud of how we responded in overtime,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Every game at this point is about survival.”

Zeke Mayo led the Jayhawks with 24 points, including five three-pointers. Hunter Dickinson contributed with a double-double, scoring 23 points and collecting 13 rebounds. The team’s offensive performance marked their second-highest scoring game of the season, just shy of the 99 points they scored against UCF earlier in January.

Arizona’s matchup against Kansas follows a similar pattern from the previous season, where the Wildcats walked away defeated by USC in the regular season finale but then triumphed in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals.

“Playing teams we’ve lost to earlier in the season adds a spark,” said Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd. “We know what to expect and we’re ready to bring our best game.”

A win for Arizona could enhance their chances of securing a 4-seed on Selection Sunday, while a loss may land them as a 5-seed.

The 2025 Big 12 Tournament features 16 teams competing at the T-Mobile Center, with the championship set for Saturday, March 15. Defending champions Iowa State will be looking to maintain their title after defeating Houston in last year’s final.

The initial rounds of the tournament have already provided exciting matchups. On Wednesday, BYU claimed a hard-fought victory over Iowa State, securing their spot in the semifinals against top-seeded Houston.

As the tournament heats up, Thursday’s schedule includes four quarterfinal games, with Texas Tech also facing a yet-to-be-determined opponent following their recent victories.

This year’s tournament promises to showcase thrilling basketball, and fans will be tuned in as teams vie for a conference title and a coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament.