No 9. Kansas defeated unranked Kentucky 77-68 on Saturday night at Rupp Arena in Lexington to snap a three-game losing streak.

Following disappointing losses to No. 5 Kansas State, No. 11 TCU and No. 17 Baylor, the Jayhawks desperately needed a win against Kentucky on Saturday, and their best player showed up when it mattered most.

Junior forward Jalen Wilson continued his phenomenal season with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win. He made 9 of 18 shots from the floor and 2 of 3 shots from deep.

Saturday's win marks the fourth straight game that Wilson has scored 20-plus points, and he's quickly rising up the charts as a player of the year candidate:

Wilson entered Saturday's game averaging 21.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 20 games this season while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and 34.1 percent from deep.

If the 22-year-old can continue competing at a high level, there's no doubt he should be included in the player of the year conversation.

The Jayhawks will be back in action against No. 5 Kansas State on Tuesday. The two teams last met on Jan. 17, with Kansas State coming out on top 83-82 in a game Wilson scored 38 points.