Kansas Basketball’s Worst Loss in Years – BYU Stuns Jayhawks in Historic Blowout That Shakes Up March Madness Hopes

In an unprecedented evening of college basketball, BYU Cougars delivered a staggering blow to No. 23 Kansas, leading to one of the most significant losses in the Bill Self era. The game, which unfolded in Provo, Utah, saw the Jayhawks not just lose, but collapse in a 91-57 rout, marking a grim chapter for a team that began the season with the highest of aspirations.

Kansas Faces Unfamiliar Territory

The result at BYU not only equaled the worst loss under Bill Self since his tenure began at Kansas in 2003 but also set a record for the worst defeat endured by a ranked Kansas team against an unranked opponent. This game caps off what could arguably be seen as the most challenging period for Self’s team, having lost five of their last eight matches, including a recent defeat to Utah. This series of losses has led the Jayhawks, who were the preseason No. 1, to a precarious position of potentially falling out of the national rankings for the first time since 2021.

“It was awful, we’re all obviously embarrassed,” said a disheartened Bill Self. The Kansas coach’s sentiment reflects a team in disarray, seemingly unable to muster the necessary resistance to stem their free-falling performance.

BYU’s Commanding Performance

From the outset, BYU took control, surging to a 20-point lead by halftime and not looking back. The Cougars’ strategy was clear as they sank five 3-pointers towards the end of the first half, effectively sealing the game early. Richie Saunders emerged as a standout player, scoring 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, propelling BYU to an emphatic victory. Trevin Knell and Mawot Mag also made significant contributions, with the team shooting over 51% from the field and dominating the rebounds.

Kansas’ Struggles and Player Reactions

The Jayhawks’ struggles were evident across the board, with the team shooting just under 31% and managing a meager five free throws throughout the game. Hunter Dickinson, who led Kansas with 12 points and 14 rebounds, and David Coit, the only other player scoring in double digits, epitomized the team’s struggle. The palpable disappointment was summed up by Dickinson’s post-game remarks, “That’s obviously not Kansas basketball. … Nobody’s going to feel bad for us now that NIL is a thing and players are getting paid.”

With the Big 12 tournament looming, Kansas is positioned sixth in the conference standings, a precarious spot with only a handful of games left in the regular season. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, starting with an upcoming game against Oklahoma State. Bill Self hinted at a brief respite for his team to regroup and possibly recalibrate their strategy. “We need to get away from each other, I’ll tell you that point blank,” Self commented on the need for a reset.