Kansas Faces Arizona in Big 12 Quarterfinal Showdown

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Jayhawks will battle the Arizona Wildcats in a Big 12 Championship quarterfinal matchup Thursday night. The game is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. CT at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Currently ranked as the No. 6 seed, Kansas (21-11, 11-9 Big 12) is coming off a thrilling overtime victory against the 14th-seeded UCF, winning 98-94. Zeke Mayo led the Jayhawks with 24 points while Hunter Dickinson added a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Arizona, earning the No. 3 seed with a record of 20-11 and 14-6 in the conference, has yet to play in this tournament. This will be a rematch from their previous encounter just days ago, where Kansas emerged victorious at home. Jayhawks head coach Bill Self believes this familiarity can aid his team. “Having already faced Arizona recently gives us a sense of confidence heading into the game,” he stated.

Despite the momentum from their recent win, Kansas faces challenges. The quick turnaround from their overtime game could affect their energy levels, especially without the potential services of key player Shakeel Moore. Self noted, “If Shakeel plays, it would be a boost, but we will adapt whether he’s on the court or not.”

The Jayhawks made an impressive comeback against UCF, overcoming a late deficit. The loss of their point guard Darius Johnson, who fouled out in the final minute of regulation, showcased the depth and resilience of Kansas’s roster.

For Arizona, this game is pivotal as they look to secure a path to the championship title. After a strong regular season, they’re eager to prove their worth in the tournament. “We’re ready for this challenge,” remarked Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd. “Kansas is always a tough opponent, but we’ve prepared well.”

Fans can tune into ESPN for live coverage of the game as the stakes increase in this high-intensity quarterfinal showdown. Kansas is tipped as a slight favorite to win, with early predictions running close; however, the unpredictability of tournament play means anything can happen on the court.