Sat Jan 03 17:30:00 UTC 2026: Headline: No. 17 Kansas Faces UCF in Big 12 Opener Showdown

Orlando, FL – The No. 17 Kansas Jayhawks (10-3) travel to Orlando to take on the UCF Knights (11-1) in a highly anticipated Big 12 Conference opener streaming live on Peacock. Both teams enter conference play riding impressive winning streaks, setting the stage for a compelling matchup.

Kansas, led by head coach Bill Self, is coming off a dominant 90-61 victory over Davidson and has won four straight since a loss to UConn. The Jayhawks boast a stingy defense, leading the Big 12 in opponent field goal percentage (36.6%), 3-point percentage (25.2%), and blocked shots (6.2). While freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who leads the team in scoring with 19.2 points per game, has been battling lingering injuries, Kansas showed its depth in the Davidson game with strong performances from Flory Bidunga and Tre White, who scored 18 points each.

UCF, under the leadership of head coach Johnny Dawkins, is off to their best start since the 2010-11 season, having won ten consecutive games since their lone loss to Vanderbilt. The Knights are fueled by Milwaukee transfer Themus Fulks, a dynamic point guard who ranks second in the Big 12 in assists. In their recent victory over Florida Atlantic, Fulks led the way with 24 points, supported by a balanced scoring effort from Riley Kugel, Jamichael Stillwell, Jordan Burks, and John Bol.

Kansas holds a 3-1 all-time record against UCF, having won the last three matchups. Their most recent meeting was a thrilling 98-94 overtime victory in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.

Basketball fans can stream the game live on Peacock. Sign up for a Peacock subscription to watch this and other live sports events.

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