Cincinnati Bearcats Defeat Kansas Jayhawks 84-68
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Allen Fieldhouse
Cincinnati Bearcats 84, Kansas Jayhawks 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cincinnati Bearcats vs Kansas Jayhawks?
Cincinnati Bearcats beat Kansas Jayhawks 84-68 at Allen Fieldhouse on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Cincinnati Bearcats vs Kansas Jayhawks?
Kansas Jayhawks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -520 (about 84% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Bearcats triumphed over the Kansas Jayhawks with a final score of 84-68 at Allen Fieldhouse. This victory marks a significant moment for Cincinnati, especially considering their recent form and the odds leading up to the game. DraftKings had Kansas favored by 8.5 points, indicating expectations of a home win, but Cincinnati's performance defied those predictions.
Leading into this matchup, Kansas had a strong home record of 20-7 and had been performing well, boasting a recent record of 9-1 over their last ten games, with an average of 76.9 points scored per game and 67.9 points allowed. They were on a one-game winning streak after defeating Oklahoma State 81-69 just two days prior. However, their performance at home had been solid, with a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games.
On the other hand, Cincinnati entered the game with a record of 15-12 and had been showing signs of improvement, winning three consecutive games, including a notable victory over Kansas State by 29 points. Their recent form included a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, scoring an average of 70.2 points while allowing 68.8 points. Despite their struggles earlier in the season, Cincinnati's last five games had seen them average 72.0 points scored and 66.8 points allowed.
The two teams had met once before during the 2025 season, with Kansas winning that encounter 54-40. However, the rematch showcased a different narrative, as Cincinnati outperformed expectations. The Bearcats capitalized on their momentum and executed their game plan effectively, leading to their victory.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is always a factor in determining team performance. The absence of key players could have influenced the outcome of the game, but both teams appeared to field their best available rosters.
The conditions at Allen Fieldhouse were typical for a late February game, with the venue known for its passionate atmosphere. This environment often plays a crucial role in home games, yet Cincinnati managed to thrive despite the odds against them.
As the game unfolded, Cincinnati's scoring plays highlighted their offensive efficiency. Key moments included Baba Miller making crucial free throws and Jayden Dawson hitting a three-pointer that extended their lead. Cincinnati's ability to maintain their composure and execute under pressure was evident, particularly in the second half, where they outscored Kansas significantly.
The final score of 84-68 not only signifies a strong performance by Cincinnati but also raises questions about Kansas's ability to compete at home against formidable opponents. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KU -8.5 | 139.5 o -105 / u -115 | Cincinnati Bearcats +390 · Kansas Jayhawks -520 |
Leaders
- PointsFlory Bidunga18Kansas Jayhawks
- AssistsMelvin Council Jr.4Kansas Jayhawks
- ReboundsFlory Bidunga12Kansas Jayhawks
- PointsMoustapha Thiam28Cincinnati Bearcats
- AssistsBaba Miller8Cincinnati Bearcats
- ReboundsMoustapha Thiam8Cincinnati Bearcats
Recent form
Kansas Jayhawks
Last 10: 9-1Streak W176.9 scored · 67.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W81-69at Oklahoma State CowboysFeb 19
- L56-74at Iowa State CyclonesFeb 14
- W82-78vs Arizona WildcatsFeb 10
- W71-59vs Utah UtesFeb 7
- W64-61at Texas Tech Red RaidersFeb 3
- W90-82vs BYU CougarsJan 31
- W86-62at Kansas State WildcatsJan 25
- W75-69at Colorado BuffaloesJan 21
- W80-62vs Baylor BearsJan 17
- W84-63vs Iowa State CyclonesJan 14
Cincinnati Bearcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W370.2 scored · 68.8 allowed per game1-3 away
- W69-65vs Utah UtesFeb 15
- W91-62at Kansas State WildcatsFeb 12
- W92-72vs UCF KnightsFeb 8
- L54-59vs West Virginia MountaineersFeb 6
- L54-76at Houston CougarsJan 31
- W67-57vs Baylor BearsJan 28
- L68-82at Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 25
- L51-77at Arizona WildcatsJan 22
- W79-70vs Iowa State CyclonesJan 17
- W77-68vs Colorado BuffaloesJan 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Cincinnati Bearcats | Kansas Jayhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-64 | 27-61 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 12-31 | 4-18 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 22 |
| Free throws | 10-15 | 10-13 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 20 |
| Assists | 16 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 3 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 34 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 53 | 27 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-40Darryn Peterson makes 16-foot jumper (Flory Bidunga assists)
- 2nd Half41-40Moustapha Thiam makes 5-foot jumper (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half43-40Keyshuan Tillery makes layup
- 2nd Half43-42Darryn Peterson makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-42Sencire Harris makes 23-foot three point jumper (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half46-43Tre White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-44Tre White makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-44Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half48-46Bryson Tiller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-46Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-47Jamari McDowell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-49Elmarko Jackson makes layup
- 2nd Half50-49Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-49Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-49Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-49Moustapha Thiam makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-52Darryn Peterson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Melvin Council Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Day Day Thomas makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-54Flory Bidunga makes layup (Darryn Peterson assists)
- 2nd Half58-54Moustapha Thiam makes 8-foot jumper (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Melvin Council Jr. makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-56Moustapha Thiam makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jalen Celestine assists)
- 2nd Half61-57Flory Bidunga makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-58Flory Bidunga makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-58Day Day Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half66-58Jalen Celestine makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-60Melvin Council Jr. makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-60Moustapha Thiam makes 8-foot hook shot (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half70-60Jalen Celestine makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half73-60Day Day Thomas makes 23-foot three point jumper (Moustapha Thiam assists)
- 2nd Half76-60Jalen Celestine makes 26-foot three point jumper (Moustapha Thiam assists)
- 2nd Half77-60Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-60Baba Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-62Kohl Rosario makes layup (Melvin Council Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half79-62Keyshuan Tillery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-62Keyshuan Tillery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-65Jayden Dawson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Flory Bidunga assists)
- 2nd Half82-65Moustapha Thiam makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Celestine assists)
- 2nd Half84-65Day Day Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half84-68Jamari McDowell makes 25-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Kansas Jayhawks, below favours Cincinnati Bearcats.
Venue
- Allen FieldhouseLawrence, KS
- Attendance15300
- OfficialsRick Crawford, Bret Smith, Tony Padilla
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Cincinnati Bearcats Edge Kansas Jayhawks 37-34Sep 27, 2025