The BYU Cougars take on the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kansas is favored by 4 points on the spread with a moneyline of -200. BYU, meanwhile, enters as a +4 underdog and is +165 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 158 total points.
Here’s my BYU vs. Kansas prediction and college basketball picks for Saturday, January 31.
BYU vs Kansas Prediction
My Pick: Kansas -4 (Play to -5)
My BYU vs Kansas best bet is on the Jayhawks to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
BYU vs Kansas Odds
| BYU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 158 -110o / -110u | +165 |
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 158 -110o / -110u | -200 |
- BYU vs Kansas Spread: Kansas -4
- BYU vs Kansas Over/Under: 158 points
- BYU vs Kansas Moneyline: BYU +165, Kansas -200
BYU vs Kansas College Basketball Betting Preview
BYU Basketball
In front of a rabid crowd, BYU came up just short in a furious comeback attempt against Arizona on Monday, a performance that encapsulated both the promise and limitations of this roster.
The Cougars showed real resolve, but the margin for error remains thin, largely because so much of the offense comes almost exclusively from BYU’s top trio.
BYU is heavily reliant on its big three of AJ Dybantsa, Rob Wright III and Richie Saunders.
Dybantsa, a likely top-three pick in the NBA draft, is brilliant. He's nearly unstoppable in isolation, using his size and athleticism to live at the free-throw line thanks to his blend of strength, burst and body control.
His shot selection can be frustrating, though: Dybantsa can fall a little too in love with the midrange, where he ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally in attempt rate, per CBB Analytics. He can make those shots, but he’s even more dangerous doing just about everything else.
Wright had a tougher time against Arizona, struggling to deal with the size and physicality of the Wildcats’ backcourt.
Saunders continues to provide reliable shot-making and connective play without demanding as many touches as his counterparts.
Defensively, BYU has exceeded expectations. This was never projected to be a top-30 defensive group, yet the Cougars reside in that range, per KenPom.
Keba Keita has been a steady interior anchor, and the perimeter pressure is real. BYU ranks 44th nationally in steal rate, creating disruption without constant gambling.
Depth, however, is a real concern. Season-ending injuries to Dawson Baker, Nate Pickens and Brody Kozlowski have shortened the rotation considerably, putting more strain on the Cougars’ high-level core.
BYU’s ceiling is clear, but with limited reinforcements, execution and efficiency from the stars remain vital.
Kansas Basketball
Kansas is rolling at the right time. The Jayhawks have won and covered four straight, reasserting themselves as one of the most physically imposing teams in the country.
Plus, they've had the added benefit of a full week off to reset. That pause could be especially important for Darryn Peterson, who missed last game but is fully expected to be ready for this big-time clash, according to head coach Bill Self.
If Peterson is back to full strength, it adds a totally unique offensive weapon: a player capable of bending defenses with his pace, creativity and shot-making versatility.
The backbone of this run, though, has been Kansas’ defense. Over the four-game streak, the Jayhawks have surrendered just 0.97 points per possession, suffocating opponents with length, athleticism and discipline.
This is a roster built to overwhelm on the defensive end.
Kansas ranks second nationally in block rate and 25th in average height, and that size translates directly into a switchable onslaught that forces opponents to score one-on-one. KU’s defense forces post-ups at a frequency in the 93rd percentile and isolations in the 96th percentile, per Synergy.
The interior tandem of Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller has been outstanding, providing both rim protection and physical rebounding.
In the backcourt, Kansas layers in elite two-way versatility.
Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. are phenomenal connective pieces, defending multiple positions, attacking closeouts and keeping the offense flowing while providing some perimeter marksmanship.
With Peterson back and rest on their side — plus the defense operating at an elite level — the Jayhawks look increasingly like a team that could elevate to a true Final Four contender.
If Peterson ramps up to a 30-plus minute per game guy, the ceiling is in the clouds.
BYU vs Kansas Betting Analysis
The primary storyline in this game will be the showdown between the two highly-touted freshmen.
Dybantsa and Peterson could be the top two picks in the NBA Draft come June, and Allen Fieldhouse will be crawling with professional scouts as a result.
They may not defend each other for most of the game, though. Expect BYU to throw Kennard Davis Jr.'s length at Peterson, while KU probably alternates Council and White on the lanky Dybantsa.
The overall matchup matters far more to the handicap. Can BYU score against this highly switchable Kansas defensive unit? The Cougars’ collection of individual scorers probably makes them more capable than most foes.
However, Kansas’ offense with Peterson in the mix will be a challenging wrinkle for the Cougars, as Davis — like basically any college defender — will struggle badly to contain the electric scoring guard.
Expect BYU to mix in a couple of zone possessions here and there if the KU offense gets going. Head coach Kevin Young and his staff love to toss a curveball, and that would prevent Peterson and Council from getting downhill off the bounce.
The Jayhawks aren't a scary force on the offensive glass, either.
That changeup could trip the Jayhawks up at times, but I still think Kansas — with extra time off — is my pick here.
Self’s health seems to be stabilized, and KU is clearly ascending with Peterson back healthy. Even with Kansas in a tougher spot — the Jayhawks have to go to Texas Tech on Monday — give me the home team up to -5.
My Pick: Kansas -4 (Play to -5)
