KU-Arizona State prediction: Will Darryn Peterson & Flory Bidunga bounce back?
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set for a Tuesday road matchup at Arizona State in Tempe.
No. 14 KU (21-8, 11-5 Big 12) lost to Arizona on Saturday, while Arizona State beat Utah.
Here is more about Tuesday’s game, including a scouting report and prediction:
Kansas basketball at Arizona State: Game details
When: 8 p.m. Central on Tuesday
Where: Tempe, Arizona (Desert Financial Arena)
TV/streaming: FS1
Opponent’s record: 15-14
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 66
Betting line: KU by 5.5 (Kansas 78.3% likely to win, ESPN Analytics)
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division-I competition.
Arizona State Strengths
- Tall squad: ASU ranks No. 9 in average height per player (6-foot-5), with three starters listed 6-11 or taller.
- Free-throw makers: Arizona State ranks No. 83 in free-throw percentage (75.1%).
- Good offense: The Sun Devils rank No. 60 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (117.6), which measures the number of points scored per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent.
Arizona State Weaknesses
- Perimeter defense issues: Opponents are shooting 35.6% on 3-pointers vs. ASU, ranking No. 271 nationally.
- Defensive struggles overall: Opponents have an effective field goal percentage of 53.1%, which ranks No. 269 overall.
- Little bench usage: Arizona State ranks No. 215 in bench minutes percentage (30.8%).
Arizona State Name to Know
6-foot-2 senior guard Maurice Odom (No. 5)
+ Good, dependable scorer (15.2 points per game)
+ Solid rebounder (3 per game)
+ Good shooter (37.8% on 3-pointers)
+ Pest on defense (1.4 steals per game)
+ Quality facilitator (5.9 assists per game)
- Turnover prone (3.1 per game)
Kansas-Arizona State game prediction
After a bad loss to Arizona on Saturday, the Jayhawks will look to salvage their trip to Arizona with a win over Arizona State.
The Jayhawks match up well against Arizona State, a team that has struggled with consistency this season. The Sun Devils aren’t a great defensive team in most aspects, so KU’s offense could get back on track after coach Bill Self blasted the team’s shot selection.
I expect this to be a big game for KU freshman Darryn Peterson, who’s struggled to shoot the ball in recent games.
If KU jumps out to an early lead, it will put pressure on Arizona State’s offense. Then, the focus will be for KU to limit ASU guard Maurice Odom. He’s the only Arizona State player averaging over 15 points per game and the key to the Sun Devils’ offense.
If KU can force Odom into a bad shooting night, it could turn ugly quick for the Sun Devils.
I don’t think Arizona State has the defense nor the offensive firepower to beat a likely motivated KU squad. I’m projecting a double-digit KU win.
Prediction: Kansas 78, Arizona State 67
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 23-6
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 20-8
Player to Watch: Flory Bidunga
After a stellar couple of weeks on both ends of the court, big man Flory Bidunga didn’t have much of an impact vs. Arizona. He finished with season lows in points (two) and rebounds (four).
On top of that, he was pushed around inside by Arizona’s big men. Bidunga has done a good job of bouncing back after bad games this season, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he asserts himself on offense early.
If he can start off strong, it will go a long way in ensuring a comfortable KU win.
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 12:53 PM with the headline "KU-Arizona State prediction: Will Darryn Peterson & Flory Bidunga bounce back?."
