Offense meets defense when the No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) visit Kansas to take on the No. 10 Jayhawks (11-2, 1-0 Big 12). The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 147 points with Kansas set as a 7-point favorite.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks Betting Prediction
In the Red Raiders’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the No. 18 Baylor Bears, 77-53. The Red Raiders, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.8, had an extraordinary mark of 53.6 and held the Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.402 (below their season average of 0.589). Niem Stevenson played well for Texas Tech, putting up 11 points and five assists.
The Jayhawks beat the Texas Longhorns in their last contest, 92-86. Kansas’ 0.572 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Texas, who had a rate of 0.479. The Jayhawks’ mark was below their season average of 0.605. Devonte’ Graham was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 6-for-15 shooting.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Kansas currently ranks 10th in offensive efficiency and Texas Tech is first in defensive efficiency.
Texas Tech heads into the contest with records of 12-1 straight up (SU) and 6-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Red Raiders’ 9 games with betting action, six have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Kansas owns records of 11-2 SU and 8-4 ATS. Jayhawks games also have a tendency to finish under the total (58.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Zhaire Smith (11.8 points, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks) has been stellar for the Red Raiders while Udoka Azubuike (16.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) has made solid contributions to the Jayhawks.
After the Jayhawks won both games against the Red Raiders last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Kansas won 80-79. Kansas had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 13.7). Texas Tech, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 31.4).
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas Tech is 2-1 ATS on the road with 2 unders and 1 over.
Kansas is 5-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 2 unders.
Kansas ranks 34th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Texas Tech ranks 217th (19.2).
The Red Raiders rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Jayhawks rank 114th (3.8).
Texas Tech ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while Kansas ranks 95th (34.1).
The Red Raiders rank 13th in steals per game (9.2) while the Jayhawks rank 66th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
Texas Tech is second in the NCAA with 8.8 assists allowed per game while Kansas is 55th with 11.7 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Texas Tech is 2-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Kansas is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 27.2, up from 23.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 86.8 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (7.0 above their season average).
