Live Game Thread & Updates for Kansas Basketball vs Utah

No. 11 Kansas is set to host Utah in Allen Fieldhouse this afternoon, a few days after pulling off a massive win over Texas Tech on the road. Bill Self and the Jayhawks have won six in a row and are looking to extend that streak to seven games over a Utes squad that is 1-8 in Big 12 play.

Here at Kansas On SI, we will be tracking the game live with periodic score updates. Refresh this page constantly if you are unable to watch the game and want to know the score.

First Half

Pregame - Same starting five as usual for KU. Melvin Council Jr., Darryn Peterson, and Tre White in the backcourt, joined by Bryson Tiller and Flory Bidunga in the frontcourt.

18:17 - Council gets the scoring started with a three assisted by Tiller. But after two empty trips, Utah takes the lead with a pair of buckets. Utah leads, 5-3.

16:10 - The defensive effort has not all been there for KU, which is allowing points at a pace of nearly 60 per half. Players have been caught sleeping on backcuts several times. The Utes lead by four going into the first TV timeout. Utah leads, 12-8.

13:05 - A 6-0 run sparked by Council and a lob to Bidunga puts the Jayhawks back in front. The momentum has shifted in KU's favor, forcing UU to take a timeout. Kansas leads, 16-14.

10:56 - Bidunga blocked consecutive shots, but the Jayhawks were unable to capitalize on the other end. Utah will head to the line after the TV timeout. Kansas leads, 18-14.

9:07 - A rare appearance on the court for Kohl Rosario and Jayden Dawson at the same time unsurprisingly allows consecutive baskets for the Utes. Fortunately, Peterson allowed KU to re-take the lead with his first 3-pointer of the night. Kansas leads, 21-18.

7:36 - Great hustle by Council to strip a ball-handler and track down the loose ball, leading to a Dawson three. The Jayhawks rattled off another 8-0 run before Utah scored a layup. Kansas leads, 26-20.

6:36 - Council takes a nasty fall on a drive to the rim and immediately headed to the bench to be tended to by the trainer. Hopefully, he is only out for the remainder of the half, as it looked like he had to clean up some blood. He walked to the locker room and White made both free throws in his place. Kansas leads, 28-20.

4:07 - Bidunga picked up his second foul of the half after hooking a defender. He will likely sit out the remainder of the half, meaning the Jayhawks will be without two of their top four scorers. Utah has cut it to a one-possession contest. Kansas leads, 30-27.

2:08 - Council receives an incredibly loud standing ovation after re-entering the game from the locker room. Good to see him back on the floor. Kansas leads, 34-30.

Halftime - The Jayhawks end the half on a 6-1 run. No players are in double figures, but Council has a team-high nine points and four assists. Tiller and Peterson both have seven points. KU is shooting 55.6% from the field but has turned it over seven times, which has kept Utah in the game. Kansas leads, 38-31.

Second Half

N/A

Dec 16, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Towson Tigers guard Jack Doumbia Jr. (21) drives against Kansas Jayhawks guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) during the first half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

How to Watch Kansas vs. Utah

Time: 1:30 p.m. CT
Channel: FOX
Link: Watch FOX

Kansas vs. Utah Basketball Preview

Kansas is 17-5 and ranks third in the Big 12 with a 7-2 record in conference action. It has won its last six contests, including marquee victories over ranked schools BYU, Iowa State, and Texas Tech.

Projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick Darryn Peterson leads the charge for the Jayhawks, averaging 21.1 points and 4.3 rebounds on otherworldly efficiency. Other top contributors include Flory Bidunga (14.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG), Tre White (14.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG), and Melvin Council Jr. (13.8 PPG, 5.0 APG).

Utah, on the other hand, has not had much success following its 5-0 start. Since then, the Utes have gone 4-13 and 1-8 since conference play began. Its worst losses have come against mid-majors like Cal Poly and Grand Canyon.

The Utes boast a strong backcourt powered by Terrence Brown (21.4 PPG, 4.0 APG) and Don McHenry (18.1 PPG, 40.6% 3PT) but otherwise lack production. They have the bottom-ranked defense in the Big 12 and rank No. 123 in KenPom overall.