Offense meets defense when the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks (10-2) head to Texas to take on the Longhorns (9-3). The game will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 136 points with Kansas opening as a 2-point favorite.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Prediction
The Jayhawks come in on a high note after blowing out the Stanford Cardinal in their last game, 75-54. Kansas’ 0.574 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Stanford, who had a rate of 0.393. The Jayhawks’ mark was below their season average of 0.608, while the Cardinal’s was below their season average of 0.520. With 24 points on 12-for-15 shooting, Udoka Azubuike was the top scorer from either team.
In the Longhorns’ last matchup, they defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide, 66-50. Texas’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Alabama. The Longhorns had a rate of 0.204 (below their season average of 0.229), while the Crimson Tide posted a mark of 0.082 (below their season average of 0.318). Mohamed Bamba was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Texas ranks fifth in defensive efficiency (86.3) and Kansas is 23rd (91.3). Furthermore, the Jayhawks rank 45th in turnover percentage (16.6 percent), while the Longhorns rank 52nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.5 percent).
Kansas comes into the game with records of 10-2 straight up (SU) and 7-4 against the spread (ATS). Jayhawks games tend to go under the projected point total (63.6 percent).
Texas is 9-3 SU, but they are just 3-5 ATS. Coinciding with Kansas, Longhorns games also tend to go under the O/U total (75.0 percent).
After the Jayhawks won both meetings against the Longhorns last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Kansas won 77-67. The Jayhawks had a much better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 19.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.288 vs. 0.218).
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kansas is 2-3 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 0 overs.
Texas is 1-2 ATS at home with 3 unders and 0 overs.
Kansas ranks third in assists per game (20.0) while Texas ranks 203rd (11.8).
The Jayhawks average 38.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. The Longhorns rank 181st in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
Kansas ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Texas ranks 166th (21.3).
The Longhorns rank third in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while the Jayhawks rank 94th (3.4).
Kansas ranks 41st in steals per game (8.0) while Texas ranks 110th (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Kansas is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Texas is 2-3 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, down from 21.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Longhorns have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (10.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
