KANSAS

3 Key Numbers from Kansas Basketball’s Statement Win Over Arizona

The Jayhawks' ball-security and offensive rebounds provided just enough extra possessions to hold off the Wildcats
Jackson Langendorf|
Mar 8, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Mar 8, 2025; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images | William Purnell-Imagn Images

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Breaking Down 3 Key Numbers from Kansas' 83-76 Win Over Arizona

After dropping back-to-back contests, Kansas (20-11, 11-9 Big 12) was in desperate need of a get-right win to gain some traction heading into postseason play – and it got just that on Saturday afternoon.

Welcoming No. 24 Arizona (20-11, 14-6 Big 12) into Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks built a 14-point lead in the first half, but the Wildcats stuck around and even jumped ahead in the second half. 

But behind a 13-4 run late in the second frame, Kansas was able to stave off the visitors, and pull out an 83-76 victory to end its regular season on a high note. Here are three key numbers that explain how the Jayhawks got it done: 

Kansas Beat Arizona on the Offensive Glass

Aside from the 18 offensive rebounds Kansas grabbed in its 32-point thrashing of Oklahoma State a few games ago, its 13 offensive rebounds against Arizona are its most in well over a month.

Creating 13 extra possessions, the Jayhawks were able to flip those offensive boards into 16 second chance points – none of which were more valuable than this electrifying alley-oop connection from Dajuan Harris Jr. to KJ Adams which proved to be the dagger.  

Kansas Kept the Turnovers to a Minimum

After battling turnover woes throughout Big 12 play, the Jayhawks' ball-security struggles culminated with a 20 turnover showing in a loss to Houston on Monday night. Clearly emphasized by Bill Self and his staff leading up to Saturday’s contest, Kansas committed just five turnovers as a team against Arizona – including only one from Hunter Dickinson (had seven against Houston).

Hunter Dickinson Points

Tying his career-high, and recording his highest point total in Jayhawk threads, big man Hunter Dickinson poured in 33 points on an uber-efficient 15-for-23 showing from the field – and even stepped out and knocked down a triple.

Getting to his spots at will, Dickinson used his 7-foot-2 frame and next-level footwork to create space around the hoop and score over or around Wildcat defenders all afternoon. 

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Jackson Langendorf
JACKSON LANGENDORF

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

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