The highly anticipated Big 12 matchup between No. 1 Kansas and UCF is set to take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the iconic Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.
Kansas, with its storied basketball tradition, looks to bounce back from a tough loss, while UCF aims to build momentum in the conference. Here’s an in-depth look at the game, key players, and what to expect.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | No. 1 Kansas vs. UCF |
| Date | Tuesday, January 28, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM CT |
| Venue | Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Big 12 Records | Kansas: 5-3, UCF: 4-4 |
Kansas: Team Overview
Kansas enters the matchup with a 14-5 overall record and ranks No. 1 nationally. The team is looking to recover after a thrilling 92-86 double-overtime loss to No. 7 Houston.
Under head coach Bill Self, Kansas boasts a dominant home-court advantage and an impressive record of 126-21 (85.7%) following a loss in the Bill Self era.
Key Kansas Players to Watch
- Hunter Dickinson (Graduate C)
- Stats: 15.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 9 double-doubles.
- National Rank: 12th in rebounding, 11th in double-doubles.
- Dickinson has been a consistent performer and a three-time Big 12 Player of the Week.
- Zeke Mayo (Senior G)
- Stats: 14.9 PPG, 41 three-pointers made.
- Mayo has scored 20+ points in five games this season and is a key sharpshooter for Kansas.
- Dajuan Harris Jr. (Graduate G)
- Stats: 9.6 PPG, 5.8 APG.
- Harris ranks second in the Big 12 in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.44) and recently recorded a career-high 12 assists against Houston.
- Flory Bidunga (Freshman F)
- Stats: 7.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 27 blocked shots.
- Bidunga is a defensive force, leading the team in blocked shots and shooting an impressive 78.7% from the field.
- Rylan Griffen (Junior G)
- Stats: 6.9 PPG, 25 three-pointers.
- Griffen had a standout performance against Houston, going 5-for-6 from three-point range and scoring a career-high 17 points.
UCF: Team Overview
UCF comes into the matchup with a 13-6 overall record and is 4-4 in Big 12 play. The team is fresh off an emphatic 85-58 victory over TCU, snapping a two-game losing streak.
UCF will look to build on this win as they face their toughest challenge yet against the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
Head-to-Head Record
- The Kansas and UCF series is tied at 1-1.
- The last meeting saw Kansas dominate with a 99-48 victory in Orlando on January 5, 2025. This 51-point win was the largest margin of victory for Kansas in the Big 12 era.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Kansas’ Home-Court Dominance
Allen Fieldhouse, often referred to as one of the toughest places to play in college basketball, gives Kansas a significant advantage. With a roaring crowd, Kansas aims to protect its home court and extend its dominance.
2. Hunter Dickinson’s Double-Double Streak
Dickinson has been a force on both ends of the court. His ability to control the boards and score consistently makes him the focal point of Kansas’ offense.
3. UCF’s Momentum
After a commanding win over TCU, UCF will be eager to prove themselves against a top-tier opponent. The team will rely on their three-point shooting and defense to challenge Kansas.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Kansas | UCF |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 78.6 | 74.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 39.8 | 36.2 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) | 18.3 (2nd in Big 12) | 15.7 |
| Blocked Shots | 4.5 | 3.8 |
| Three-Point % | 36.8% | 35.4% |
Game Prediction
Kansas, coming off a tough loss, will likely play with urgency and focus. With a deep roster and home-court advantage, they are expected to handle UCF’s challenge effectively. UCF will need a near-perfect game and significant contributions from their backcourt to stay competitive.
The Kansas vs. UCF Big 12 matchup promises to be an exciting game, with Kansas eager to bounce back from their double-overtime loss to Houston and UCF looking to build on their recent win.
With a stellar lineup led by Hunter Dickinson and the energy of Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is poised to showcase why they are the No. 1 team in the nation. UCF, on the other hand, will look to upset the Jayhawks and solidify their position in the Big 12 standings.
Don’t miss this thrilling showdown as two competitive teams clash in a high-stakes conference battle!
