The No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks can’t stop winning. Bill Self’s squad passed yet another tough test on Monday night, as the Jayhawks rocked the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders in enemy territory, escaping the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock unscathed following a thrilling 64-61 victory.

While star freshman guard Darryn Peterson has been getting a ton of praise for his late-game heroics against the Red Raiders, Kansas head coach Bill Self was not one to forget the huge contributions of sophomore big man Flory Bidunga to the Jayhawks’ win.

“We can talk about everybody – and I’m proud of everybody – but Flory Bidunga is the best defender in America,” declared Self following the game, via sportscaster Brian Hanni.

Kansas is regarded as among the best defensive teams in the nation in the 2025-26 college basketball season, and Bidunga is a big reason for that. Thus far in the campaign, the Jayhawks are eighth nationally with a 94.1 adjusted defensive rating, per Ken Pom.

Against the Red Raiders, Bidunga grabbed nine rebounds and swatted away two Texas Tech shots. Despite playing 36 minutes, he wasn’t called for a foul, further indicating his brilliance on the defensive side of the floor. Bidunga also provided ample scoring, as he produced 14 points on an efficient 7-for-8 shooting from the field.

With Bidunga anchoring Kansas’ defense, the Red Raiders were held to an atrocious 32 percent shooting from the floor and a 40.3 effective field goal percentage.

The Jayhawks improved to 17-5 overall and 7-1 in Big 12 play. 

Up next for Kansas is a meeting with the Utah Utes this coming Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.

Related: Kansas Coach Bill Self Announces Personal Update Amid College Basketball Season

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.