The No. 4 Baylor Bears (12-1, 2-0 Big 12) visit Kansas to take on the No. 3 Jayhawks (12-2, 2-0 Big 12) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks Betting Prediction
In the Bears’ last contest, they defeated the No. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders, 57-52. The Bears had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 53.1 (above their season average of 37.3), while the Red Raiders had a free throw rate of 0.093 (below their season average of 0.299). Baylor was lifted by Mark Vital, who put up eight points and 13 rebounds.
The Jayhawks had no trouble getting past the Iowa State Cyclones in their last matchup, 79-53. The Jayhawks made 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and held the Cyclones to an effective field goal percentage of 0.414 (below their season average of 0.524). Devon Dotson was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Kansas currently ranks 22nd in offensive efficiency and Baylor ranks ninth in defensive efficiency.
After the Jayhawks won both games against the Bears last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last contest, Kansas won 78-70. The Jayhawks had a much better free throw rate (0.339 vs. 0.239) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.492 vs. 0.403).
Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Baylor averages 8.5 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the NCAA. Kansas ranks 135th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, down from 15.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 55.0 points per game (6.0 below their season average).
