Introduction
In a stunning turn of events, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars delivered a historic 91-57 thrashing of the No. 23 Kansas Jayhawks on Tuesday night in Provo, Utah. The 34-point defeat marked the worst loss for Kansas under head coach Bill Self since he took over in 2003, deepening concerns about the Jayhawks’ late-season struggles. The loss also cemented Kansas’ exit from national rankings for the first time since 2021, as the team’s once-promising season continues to unravel.
Key Details
The Cougars dominated from the opening tip, building a 20-point halftime lead and never looking back. BYU’s offense clicked on all cylinders, shooting 51% from the field and burying 14 three-pointers. Richie Saunders led the charge with 22 points (9-of-13 shooting), while Trevin Knell added 15 points and eight rebounds, and Mawot Mag chipped in 13 points. The Cougars outrebounded Kansas by 10 and forced 15 turnovers, sealing a decisive victory.
Kansas, meanwhile, struggled mightily. The Jayhawks’ starters shot just 31% from the field, and the team attempted only five free throws all game. Hunter Dickinson led Kansas with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while reserve David Coit added 11 points. The loss marked Kansas’ fifth in their last eight games, including back-to-back defeats after falling at Utah on Saturday.
Reactions and Context
“This was awful. We’re all obviously embarrassed,” said Self, whose team has now dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. “We didn’t put up any resistance.” The defeat was the worst in Kansas history as a ranked team against an unranked opponent and only the second 30-point loss to a Big 12 foe during Self’s tenure.
The Jayhawks, who began the season atop the national rankings, now sit at 17-9 and are likely to fall out of the Top 25 when new rankings are released Monday. BYU, conversely, improved to 18-8 and will face No. 19 Arizona on Saturday.
Impact on Kansas’ Season
The loss caps a brutal stretch for Kansas, which has tumbled from national title contender to a team fighting for seeding in the Big 12 tournament. The Jayhawks now sit sixth in the conference standings, though five teams are within 1.5 games of them with just five regular-season games remaining. A once-stellar defense has faltered, and the offense has stagnated, raising questions about the team’s cohesion and confidence.
“We’ve got to figure this out quickly,” Self said. “We’re taking a day off tomorrow to regroup, but we’ve got to come back ready to fight.” Kansas’ next test comes Saturday against Oklahoma State, a critical game for momentum heading into the conference tournament.
BYU’s Rise and Future Challenges
For BYU, the victory was a program-defining moment. The Cougars have quietly built a strong season, and Tuesday’s win could boost their NCAA Tournament resume. Saunders, a sophomore guard, has emerged as a breakout star, while Knell and Mag provided crucial depth. BYU’s next matchup against Arizona will test their staying power against elite competition.
Future Steps for Kansas
Self’s team faces a pivotal week. After the loss, the coach announced a brief reset: the team will return home early Wednesday, take Thursday off, and begin preparations for Oklahoma State on Friday. The Jayhawks’ late-season slide has raised concerns about their tournament readiness, but Self emphasized resilience.
“We’ve been here before,” he said. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had a rough patch. But we’ve got to respond.”
Conclusion
Kansas’ historic loss to BYU underscores the Jayhawks’ vulnerability as March approaches. For Bill Self, the challenge is clear: reignite a team that has lost its way. Meanwhile, BYU’s historic win has thrust them into the spotlight, proving they belong among the nation’s elite. As both teams look ahead, the stakes could not be higher—for Kansas, a chance to salvage their season; for BYU, an opportunity to cement their place in the NCAA Tournament. The clock is ticking.