NCAAMB Games of the Weekend: January 31-February 1

SATURDAY:

13BYU vs 14KANSAS

Photo by Colin E. Braley/AP Photo

On Saturday afternoon, the Kansas Jayhawks played their 1,000th game at the iconic Allen Fieldhouse. This game was headlined by two NBA lottery picks facing off in Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and BYU’s AJ Dybantsa.  

All five of the Kansas starters finished with double figures as the Jayhawks defeated the Cougars, 90-82 in a packed Allen Fieldhouse.

In the first half, it was all Jayhawks. Halfway through the first half, Kansas separated from BYU. They went on a 17-5 run, leading as much as 21 points.

Kansas’ standout freshman Darryn Peterson scored all 18 of his points in the first half. BYU’s sophomore guard Robert Wright III led the Cougars in the first half with 10 points. Dybantsa, who did not make his first shot until the 7:22 mark of the first half, finished with 7 first half points.

BYU was down double digits for most of the second half, but used a 16-4 run to cut the Kansas lead to 4 with under two minutes left in regulation. 

The Jayhawks closed the game on the 8-4 run to seal the deal, and stifle BYU’s comeback effort.

It was career days for players on both teams. BYU senior guard Richie Saunders finished with a career-high 33 points, and Kansas freshman forward Bryson Tiller scored with a career-high 21 points in the victory. 

Key to Victory: A Team Effort

The Jayhawks starting five all finished in double figures for the second time this season. The versatile scoring attack has led to success for the Jayhawks. Kansas is a perfect 10-0 this season when at least 4 starters finish in double figures.

Next for the Jayhawks: Monday, February 2 at #11 Texas Tech Red Raiders at 9:00 PM EST

Next for the Cougars: Wednesday, February 4 at Oklahoma State Cowboys at 9:00 PM EST 

SUNDAY:

5NEBRASKA vs 9ILLINOIS 

Photo by Bonnie Ryan/AP Photo

Illinois Fighting Illini freshman Keaton Wagler scored a game-high 28 points in a 78-69 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Junior forward Jake Davis also added 13 points in the conference victory.

Illinois has not lost a game in over a month. Ironically, their last loss was against Nebraska in December. Not only was Illinois looking for revenge, but they looked to extend their winning streak to 11 games, their longest winning streak since the 2012-2013 season.

The first half was packed with offense. Both teams made a combined 14 threes in the first half. Nebraska junior forward Pryce Sandfort and freshman forward Braden Frager showed their sharpshooting ability in the first half, each drilling 4 threes. On the other hand, Illinois were led by the Ivisic brothers. They scored a combined 17 points in the first half.

After closing the half on a 14-2, Nebraska entered the second half, looking to build on a strong first half finish, but then Keaton Wagler arrived. 

The Shawnee, Kansas native scored 21 of his 28 in the second half, leading the Fighting Illini to their first lead in 10 minutes. The Illinois defense also stepped up, holding Sandfort to only 2 points in the second half, snapping Nebraska's leading scorer’s 5-game streak of 20+ points game.

Illinois’ victory over Nebraska makes them 2-0 against top-5 teams this season, and extends their winning streak to 11 games. They also hand Nebraska their second straight loss, which will put in contention to move up in the latest top-25 rankings update.

Key to Victory: Illinois 10-0 run in the second half

Illinois' 10-0 run lasted nearly 4 minutes. It also gave them their first double digit lead, with under 7 minutes to play.

Next for the Fighting Illini:Wednesday, February 4 vs Northwestern Wildcats at 9:00 EST

Next for the Cornhuskers: Saturday, February 7 at Rutgers Scarlet Knights at 12:00 PM EST

Thank you for reading!

Elias Meredith (@EAM_55)