Kansas basketball failed to start Big 12 play with a win, losing this past Saturday on the road at UCF. Here are a few takeaways from that matchup.

UCF finished non-conference play on a 10-game winning streak with a Dec. 23 victory over Florida Atlantic. Now the Knights turn their focus to Kansas.

The Knights (11-1, 0-0 Big 12) are set to host No. 17 Kansas (9-3, 0-0 Big 12) at Addition Financial Arena (2 p.m., Peacock). UCF celebrated its first Big 12 home victory against the Jayhawks, clinching a 65-60 win on January 10, 2024. However, since then, the Knights have lost three consecutive games to Kansas.

Kansas basketball’s Big 12 Conference slate started Saturday with a game on the road against UCF. Here is what happened during this league matchup.

Kansas star Darryn Peterson returned to the lineup on Saturday for the first time in nearly a month and had his best showing of the 2025-26 season. Peterson, who is the No. 1-ranked NBA Draft prospect in the CBS Sports rankings, finished with 26 points, six rebounds and one assist in the No. 17 Jayhawks' 81-75 loss to UCF.

Bill Self had one major gripe about his team’s play in an 81-75 upset loss at UCF on Saturday. It was about his team’s defense. The Jayhawks’ usually stellar defense — a calling card of great Self teams — left a lot to be desired vs. the Knights.

More information below on No. 17 Kansas and UCF and how to watch the game.

Darryn Peterson failed to finish the game in his return against UCF, which ultimately contributed to Kansas' late collapse.