The Houston Cougars (19-2) are set to challenge the Kansas Jayhawks (17-4) in a high-stakes Big 12 showdown. With both teams vying for conference supremacy, this matchup at the historic Allen Fieldhouse is poised to be a classic battle between Houston’s top-tier defense and Kansas’s high-powered offense. We have your Houston at Kansas predictions and picks for this Top 10 battle below.
Houston at Kansas Odds
- Moneyline: Houston -115 (Ceasars) / Kansas +102 (BetRivers)
- Spread: Houston -1.5 (PointsBet)
- Total: 134.0 / Over -110 (PointsBet) / Under -109 (BetRivers)
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 03
- Time: 04:00 PM ET
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse – Lawrence, KS
- TV: ESPN
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
- On the road, Houston Cougars are 3 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Houston Cougars are 11 and 9.
- Against the spread on the road, Houston Cougars are 2 and 6.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Trends
- At home, Kansas Jayhawks are 11 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Kansas Jayhawks are 9 and 11.
- Against the spread at home, Kansas Jayhawks are 6 and 6.
Houston at Kansas Predictions
The Houston Cougars, riding a five-game winning streak, bring the nation’s leading defense into a hostile environment against the Kansas Jayhawks, who boast an unblemished 12-0 record at home. Houston’s defense, allowing a mere 52.9 points per game, will be put to the test against a Kansas offense that averages 79.2 points per game, ranking them 68th in the nation. The Cougars’ offense, led by guard L.J. Cryer averaging 15.1 points per game, will need to step up against Kansas’s defense, which has shown some vulnerability recently.
Kansas, coming off a solid win, is looking to leverage their home-court advantage and the offensive prowess of Kevin McCullar Jr., who leads the team with 19.8 points per game. Hunter Dickinson’s presence on the boards, averaging 11.2 rebounds per game, could be a difference-maker for the Jayhawks. However, they will need to be cautious of Houston’s Jamal Shead, who has been a defensive stalwart and contributes significantly to their offense with 5.8 assists per game. The Jayhawks’ ability to distribute the ball, leading the nation with 20.7 assists per game, will be crucial in breaking down Houston’s defense.
This game is not just a clash of contrasting styles but also a battle of two of the nation’s top teams. Houston’s stringent defense, ranked first in the nation, will challenge Kansas’s efficient shooting, which boasts a fifth-ranked field goal percentage of 50.9%. The key matchup to watch will be how Kansas’s perimeter shooters fare against Houston’s perimeter defense, which has been instrumental in their success this season. With both teams seeking to solidify their standing in the Big 12 and improve their seeding for the NCAA tournament, this game has all the makings of a late-season classic.
Houston at Kansas Picks
The Kansas Jayhawks money line bet is the more compelling option when considering the team’s impeccable home record and the high stakes of this Big 12 showdown.
Kansas’s undefeated streak at Allen Fieldhouse this season, combined with their potent offense, gives them a significant edge. Despite Houston’s formidable defense, the Jayhawks’ ability to share the ball and create scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their nation-leading assist average, positions them well to overcome the Cougars’ defensive pressure. Moreover, Kansas’s shooting efficiency, particularly from the field where they rank fifth in the nation, suggests they can find ways to score against even the stingiest of defenses.
While Houston’s recent form is impressive, the Jayhawks’ need to maintain their home dominance and secure a top seed in the NCAA tournament adds an extra layer of motivation. The potential return of Kevin McCullar Jr., even if not at full strength, could provide a significant boost to the Jayhawks’ lineup.
Historically, Kansas has thrived under pressure at home, and with the crowd behind them, they are likely to rise to the occasion once again. Considering these factors, the Kansas Jayhawks moneyline bet is a strong choice for this high-profile matchup.
The Pick: Kansas Jayhawks +102 (BetRivers)