Houston Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks Betting Picks & Predictions
In a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup, No. 8 Kansas will face off against No. 4 Houston on Saturday at 4pmET in Lawrence. This will mark the first meeting between these two
Game outlook
In a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup, No. 8 Kansas will face off against No. 4 Houston on Saturday at 4pmET in Lawrence. This will mark the first meeting between these two teams as members of the Big 12 conference. Houston has been listed as the betting favorite, with an opening line of -2.25, which has remained unchanged.
Betting Odds
Moneyline: Cougars -142 | Jayhawks +118
Spread: Cougars -2.25 (-110) | Jayhawks +2.25 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 133.75 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 59%.
Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars have had an impressive season, with their only two losses coming in Big 12 play. This highlights the difficulty of their conference, but their strong performance indicates they are likely to secure a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. According to KenPom, they are ranked first overall and lead in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. They also hold the top spot in the NCAA Basketball Net Rankings, thanks to their solid record on the road and in Quad 1 games. Despite losing two close road games, the Cougars have won their last five games, including a recent victory against Texas. Houston's defense is particularly noteworthy, with guards Jamal Shead and L.J. Cryer leading the way. Cryer tops the team in scoring and shoots well from the field and beyond the arc, while Shead contributes solid scoring and steals. In terms of overall rankings, Houston is fifth in power ranking, 185th in offense, and first in defense. They have a 19-2 record and perform well in various statistical categories, such as rebounds, assists, and turnovers on both ends of the court. Defensively, they are particularly strong in limiting their opponents' shooting percentages and defending against three-point attempts.