Kansas Hosts Cincinnati in Big 12 Showdown LAWRENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — The Kansas Jayhawks look to solidify their standing near the top of the Big 12 Conference when they host the Cincinnati Bearcats at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. Kansas (20-6, 9-4 Big 12) enters on a high note after an 81-69 road victory at Oklahoma State on Wednesday. Sophomore guard Darryn Peterson led the charge with 23 points in just 18 minutes off the bench, continuing a streak of efficient scoring. Over his last five games, Peterson is averaging 16.8 points, including a 23-point outburst against Oklahoma State and 19 in a tight win at Texas Tech. The Jayhawks have been formidable at home, boasting a 12-1 record in Lawrence this season. Their offense, averaging 76.2 points per game, will test a Cincinnati defense that has been inconsistent in conference play. Cincinnati (14-12, 5-8) arrives after a hard-fought 69-65 home win over Utah last Sunday. The Bearcats have shown resilience, alternating wins and losses over their past six contests. Their success often hinges on the interior presence of sophomore center Moustapha Thiam. In the win over Utah, Thiam recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. He has scored 14 or more points in four of his last five outings. However, the Bearcats have struggled on the road, with a 3-6 record away from home, including recent double-digit losses at Houston and Arizona State. Containing Peterson and navigating the intense environment of a sold-out Allen Fieldhouse will be their primary challenges. Kansas holds a commanding all-time series lead, but this will be just the second meeting since Cincinnati joined the Big 12. The Jayhawks won the first conference matchup last season. For Cincinnati, a road upset would provide a crucial Quadrant 1 victory for their postseason resume. For Kansas, it’s a necessary step to maintain pace in a loaded Big 12 race before a quick turnaround against Houston on Monday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Saturday.