No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks (13-5, 3-2) is set to embark on a two-game road trip, starting with a clash against Colorado Buffaloes (12-6, 2-3) on Tuesday, January 20, at 10 p.m. Central Time. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Kansas comes into this matchup fresh from an impressive 80-62 victory over Baylor on January 16, while Colorado is eager to break a three-game losing streak after falling 72-61 to West Virginia on January 17. The Buffaloes have performed well at home this season, holding a 9-2 record at the CU Events Center.
This matchup features a personal connection as Colorado head coach Tad Boyle played for Kansas from 1982 to 1985. Additionally, CU assistant coach Danny Manning was instrumental in securing the 1988 NCAA National Championship for Kansas, being named the national player of the year and the first overall pick in the NBA Draft the same year.
Historically, Kansas dominates the series against Colorado, leading 126-40 overall and boasting a 41-27 record in Boulder, including a 26-8 performance at the CU Events Center. The Jayhawks have won the last three encounters with the Buffaloes.
In terms of statistics, Kansas is ranked 17th in the NET rankings and fifth in the Big 12. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule is notably robust, second in the nation overall and first in the Big 12, only behind Alabama. They have been averaging 78.0 points per game with a strong scoring margin of plus-10.5. On the boards, they grab an average of 39.2 rebounds per game, maintaining a positive rebound margin of plus-3.2.
Kansas stands out defensively as well, leading the Big 12 in both field goal percentage defense (38.2%, ranked seventh nationally) and three-point field goal percentage defense (28.8%, ranked 15th nationally). They also lead the conference in blocked shots, averaging 6.3 per game (fourth nationally).
Leading the Jayhawks is freshman guard who boasts an impressive average of 22.2 points per game, including six outings with 20 or more points and 26 three-pointers made this season. Senior guard has recorded four double-doubles so far this season and contributes an average of 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore center’s remarkable shooting efficiency—hitting 77.2% of his shots in the last seven games—allows him to score an average of 14.2 points while leading the team with 8.9 rebounds. Additionally, Bidunga is making headlines as he leads the Big 12 with 47 blocked shots, ranking eighth nationally, and is unique in NCAA Division I for averaging over 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.
As the Jayhawks conclude their road trip at Kansas State in the highly anticipated Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday, January 24, they look to maintain their edge in a storied rivalry—the Jayhawks currently lead the overall series 203-97, marking the most wins for one opponent against another in NCAA Division I history. With their defense and offensive players performing at high levels, Kansas aims to build momentum as they push through the remainder of the season.