Offense meets defense when the No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks (9-2) visit Stanford to take on the Cardinal (11-1). The game is scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Stanford Cardinal Free Prediction
The last time the Jayhawks played, they were topped by the No. 18 Villanova Wildcats, 56-55. Villanova’s 12.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Kansas, who had a mark of 16.8. The Wildcats’ mark was better than their season average of 15.6. Kansas’ Udoka Azubuike played well, contributing 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cardinal edged the San Diego Toreros in their last game, 62-59. Stanford’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over San Diego. The Cardinal had a rate of 0.509 (below their season average of 0.567), while the Toreros posted a mark of 0.405 (below their season average of 0.478). With 19 points, 11 rebounds and five steals, Oscar da Silva had a good performance for Stanford.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between a pair of the nation’s best defenses. Stanford currently ranks sixth in defensive efficiency (82.7) and Kansas is 25th (87.4).
After the Jayhawks won the sole contest against the Cardinal last season, 90-84, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Jayhawks had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 20.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.297 vs. 0.254).
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Stanford Cardinal Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Kansas ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while Stanford ranks 85th (3.3).
The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.4, down from 19.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cardinal have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (5.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average).