Offense meets defense when the No. 6 Kansas Jayhawks (13-3, 3-1 Big 12) travel to Texas to take on the Longhorns (12-4, 2-2 Big 12). The game will air on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Longhorns Free Prediction
The last time the Jayhawks played, they topped the Oklahoma Sooners, 66-52. The Jayhawks held the Sooners to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.6 (below the 25.9 mark opponents have averaged against Kansas this season). The Sooners had a free throw rate of 0.097 (below their season average of 0.260). Udoka Azubuike had a good game for Kansas, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
The Longhorns were victorious over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their last game, 76-64. Texas was lights out from beyond the arc (15-32; 46.9 percent). Oklahoma State, meanwhile, held the Longhorns to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.3 (below their season average of 29.2). With 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Texas’ Courtney Ramey put together a good outing.
After the Jayhawks won two out of three 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 65-57. The Jayhawks knocked down 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 19.4).
Baskets could be hard to come by in this battle between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Texas currently ranks 50th in defensive efficiency (91.4) and Kansas is 15th (87.3).
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Texas ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (15.7) while Kansas ranks 259th (27.0).
The Jayhawks rank 38th in steals per game (8.4) while the Longhorns rank 174th (5.8).
Kansas ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Texas ranks 118th (34.6).
The Longhorns rank 11th in assists allowed per game (9.3) while the Jayhawks rank 91st (11.8).
Kansas ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Texas ranks 33rd (2.6).
The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 16.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Longhorns have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (0.3 below their season average).