Kansas vs Houston Odds, Prediction & Pick | Big 12 Betting Preview

One of the most highly anticipated matchups in the Big 12 has finally arrived. The No. 4-ranked Houston Cougars head to Allen Fieldhouse to take on the No. 8-ranked Kansas Jayhawks.

The Cougars come into this game red hot, rattling off five straight wins after suffering their only two losses of the season in back-to-back games. As for the Jayhawks, they have not gotten off to the best start in conference play, trading wins and losses through their last five games.

However, this massive test at home may be just what Kansas needs to get back on track.

Now, we flip to the other end of the court, where this game will be decided. The Jayhawks are a well-oiled machine offensively, as their elite ball movement and experience have led them to this point.

However, they have yet to face a unit like the Cougars defensively. Houston is the No. 1 defensive team in the country and has shut down the paint. The Cougars are first in 2-point percentage allowed and block rate.

It will be interesting to see if Houston gives extra attention to Hunter Dickinson on the low block, as it should not fear Kansas' perimeter shooting. The Jayhawks will need to rely on their ball movement if they want to penetrate this defense, but of course, there is risk since the Cougars rank third in defensive turnover rate.

The Jayhawks may have to step outside their comfort zone offensively if they are going to keep this one close.

While we all know what the Cougars can do on the defensive end of the floor, they are going to need to remain efficient on the offensive end if they are going to prove themselves against the Blue Bloods of the country.

Thus far, Houston has operated through its talented backcourt, which features three guards who have flexed their prowess from beyond the arc. L.J. Cryer, Jamal Shead and Emanuel Sharp have all shot above 35% from downtown. They will need to be sharp from deep again considering the Cougars lack the size to bang with the Jayhawks.

But fortunately for them, defending the perimeter is the one area in which Kansas has been susceptible.

Houston's perimeter shooting will also play into its other strength, which is on the offensive glass. The Cougars rank sixth in offensive rebounding rate despite lacking size.

With their typical scheme in place, expect the Cougars to remain efficient on the offensive end.

This matchup is a big road test for the Cougars, but everything points to them being up for it. Houston will be able to run its offense and out-hustle Kansas on both ends.

While we certainly can't dismiss the talent of the Jayhawks, the scoreboard should separate these two teams by more than the spread implies. Back the Cougars.

Pick: Houston -1.5 (Play to -3)

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW