Just 90 minutes before tip-off, Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Kansas announced their final availability reports ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between the Cougars and the Jayhawks. A key update is that Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson is not listed on the injury report, indicating he is set to play after missing time due to an ankle injury. Additionally, no Kansas players are noted on the injury report.
In contrast, BYU has five players on its injury report, all of whom will not be available for the game. This absence could have significant implications for the Cougars as they face off against the No. 14 Jayhawks.
On Saturday morning, the College GameDay crew was present in Kansas to highlight this crucial game. The matchup features two standout freshmen in AJ Dybantsa of BYU and Kansas”s Peterson. Following the show, analysts made their picks for the game.
According to KenPom, a respected authority on college basketball analytics, BYU has a 36% chance of winning, with a projected final score of 79-75 in favor of Kansas. Currently, BYU ranks 15th in KenPom”s metrics, boasting an 11th place ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency and 25th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Kansas holds the 14th position in the KenPom rankings, with its adjusted offensive efficiency ranked 30th and defensive efficiency ranked 13th.
In a recent statement, BYU head coach Kevin Young emphasized the necessity of securing a significant victory within the Big 12 Conference. He acknowledged the Cougars” strong non-conference performance but pointed out the absence of notable wins in conference play. When asked about the potential pitfalls of over-focusing on a single game, Young expressed confidence in his team”s maturity, stating, “We just worry about doing what we have to do. I think our guys are mature. It”s just, it”s a game.” He added, “You want to play in games that matter and are meaningful…we need to go win because we need a big win in the Big 12.”
As anticipation builds for this pivotal clash, both teams will be looking to solidify their standing in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
