The Jayhawks and Wildcats will add another chapter to the Kansas in-state rivalry tonight, Monday, February 5th, at Bramlage Coliseum. Big 12 hoops regularly offer exciting matchups, and this duel can have March Madness tournament ramifications.
The Jayhawks surprised on Saturday, defeating the favorite's Houston Cougars 78-65, while the Wildcats did not justify expectations as a favorite against Oklahoma State, losing on Saturday 75-72. After a two-game winning streak, betting apps consider the Jayhawks a 5-point favorite for tonight's matchup, available for bets with BetRivers sports promo code.
Let's preview the odds and prospects of both teams to secure another win.
Jayhawks Inaugurate New Winning Streak
The Jayhawks' 18-4 overall record and 6-3 within their conference ranks them 2nd in the Big 12. With a two-game winning streak, this Kansas team will travel confidently to its neighbors' arena, hoping to expand its conference lead. The good news is there are no injuries on the roster for tonight's matchup.
Equally important is that the offense is rolling, averaging 79.1 points this season with 51.5% shooting from the field, which ranks them 2nd in the nation, while from beyond the arc, the Jayhawks score on 36.5% of their shots.
The most prolific scorer is guard Kevin McCullar Jr., who scores 19.7 points per contest. He is also very accurate from deep, making 33 threes this season. Another productive player is Hunter Dickinson, who averages 18.8 points per game and is the conference rebounding leader with 11.1 rebounds per game.
Defensively, this Jayhawks roster allows 67.5 points per night and steals 7.2 balls per game. Rebounding is one of their most potent abilities, and with a +5.1-rebound differential, they tend to dominate teams under the boards. Projections have the Jayhawks as the 3-seed for the NCAA Tournament, another argument for their chances to triumph tonight at Bramlage Coliseum.
The Wildcats are Losing Their Footing
Losing four games in a row is not a good sign, and the Wildcats desperately need a win if they want to try and salvage the season. Things started relatively well, evident from the 14-8 record, with a 4-5 in conference performance, but the Wildcats entered a slump and cannot seem to bounce back.
The offense is not producing as usual, with a 61-point average during their four-game losing streak, significantly lower than their overall average of 72 points per night this season. Shooting is respectable at 43.3% from the field and 31.1% for three points, and an impressive 15 turnovers per game, resulting in 13.4 points from turnovers. The most significant contributors are Tylor Perry, with 14.6 points per game and 4.8 assists, and Arthur Kaluma, who scores 14.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Jayhawks allow 68.7 points per game, with 6.7 steals a game and a +2.7 rebound differential. The Wildcats play at a slower tempo than the Jayhawks, and that can be a problem for them tonight.
Betting Prediction
Last year, both teams won their home games, and this will be their first meeting this season. Playing at home in a big rivalry has advantages, and the Wildcats win 83% of their home games. The odds offered by betting sites with free bets for the 5-point spread are valued at -110 on both teams to cover.
A moneyline bet is worth -225 odds on the Jayhawks and +180 odds for the Wildcats. The total is 144.5 points with -110 odds for the Over and Under bet, while it is important to note that matches at Bramlage Coliseum average 139.3 points a game.
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