Mandy
No. 19 Kansas (13-5, 3-2 Big 12) opens a two-game road swing with a matchup against Colorado (12-6, 2-3 Big 12) on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The contest will tip off at 10 p.m. Central from the CU Events Center and will air live on ESPN.
Kansas enters the game riding momentum after an 80-62 victory over Baylor on Jan. 16. Colorado, meanwhile, is aiming to snap a three-game losing streak following a 72-61 road loss at West Virginia on Jan. 17. Despite recent struggles, the Buffaloes have been strong at home, posting a 9-2 record this season.
Coaching Connections Add Storyline
The matchup features notable ties between the programs. Colorado head coach Tad Boyle played at Kansas from 1982–85, while Buffaloes assistant coach Danny Manning was a key figure in Kansas’ 1988 NCAA National Championship run.
Manning starred for KU from 1985–88, earning National Player of the Year honors and becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.
Series History Favors Kansas
Kansas holds a commanding edge in the all-time series, leading 126-40 overall. In Boulder, the Jayhawks are 41-27, including a dominant 26-8 record inside the CU Events Center. Kansas has also won the last three meetings between the teams.
Team Performance & National Metrics
Kansas sits at No. 17 in the NET rankings, ranking fifth in the Big 12. The Jayhawks own the No. 2 strength of schedule nationally, best in the conference and trailing only Alabama.
Offensively, KU averages 78.0 points per game with a +10.5 scoring margin. On the boards, Kansas collects 39.2 rebounds per game, holding a +3.2 rebound margin.
Defensively, Kansas excels:
- 38.2% field goal defense (best in Big 12, 7th nationally)
- 28.8% three-point defense (best in Big 12, 15th nationally)
- 6.3 blocked shots per game (leads Big 12, 4th nationally)
Key Players to Watch
- Freshman guard Darryn Peterson leads Kansas with 22.2 points per game, recording six 20+ point performances and hitting 26 three-pointers in nine games.
- Senior guard Tre White averages 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds, recently posting a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double against No. 2 Iowa State on Jan. 13.
- Sophomore center Flory Bidunga has been dominant, shooting 77.2% over his last seven games. He averages 14.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, leading the Big 12 in total blocks (47) and ranking top 10 nationally in blocks and field goal percentage.
- Senior Melvin Council Jr. contributes 13.2 points per game, leads the team with 88 assists, and owns a 3.4 assist-to-turnover ratio (4th in Big 12, 20th nationally).
- Redshirt-freshman Bryson Tiller adds 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 26 blocks, starting the last 15 games.
Additional contributors include Elmarko Jackson, Jamari McDowell, and Kohl Rasario, each providing depth, perimeter shooting, and defensive energy.
Up Next: Rivalry Clash
Kansas will wrap up its road trip against Kansas State in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday, Jan. 24. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Central at Bramlage Coliseum, with coverage on FOX.
Kansas leads the rivalry 203-97, and those 203 wins represent the most victories by one opponent over another in NCAA Division I history.
With strong national metrics, elite defense, and multiple scoring options, Kansas basketball enters its road matchup at Colorado as a confident and well-balanced team.
While the Buffaloes remain tough at home, Kansas’ depth, defensive efficiency, and recent momentum make this Big 12 showdown a must-watch contest ahead of an intense rivalry game at Kansas State.
FAQs
What time is the Kansas vs Colorado game?
The game tips off at 10 p.m. Central on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Where can I watch Kansas vs Colorado live?
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Who leads Kansas in scoring this season?
Darryn Peterson leads the Jayhawks with 22.2 points per game.