The Kansas Jayhawks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Texas Tech is favored by 4.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -218. The total is set at 154.5 points.
Here’s my Kansas vs. Texas Tech predictions and college basketball picks for February 2, 2026.
Kansas vs Texas Tech Prediction
My Pick: Texas Tech -4.5 (Play to -6)
My Kansas vs Texas Tech best bet is on the Red Raiders 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.
Kansas vs. Texas Tech Odds
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -105 | 154.5 -112o / -108u | +180 |
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -115 | 154.5 -112o / -108u | -218 |
- Kansas vs Texas Tech spread: Texas Tech -4.5
- Kansas vs Texas Tech over/under: 154.5 points
- Kansas vs Texas Tech moneyline: Kansas +180, Texas Tech -218
Kansas vs Texas Tech College Basketball Betting Preview
Kansas Basketball
Kansas is on a hot streak, winning five consecutive games, including victories over BYU and Iowa State in Lawrence. Two of the five came on the road against Colorado and Kansas State, so this will be a jump up in level.
In January, the Jayhawks went 6-2 and made huge offensive strides, ranking eighth in Bart Torvik’s offensive efficiency. That coincides with Darryn Peterson returning, but you never know just how much he'll play each game.
Peterson is a dynamo. He can score 20 points in a half with ease, but that might be all he gives you. Due to persistent cramping issues, Peterson didn't finish the UCF, TCU or BYU games. The projected No. 1 NBA draft pick averages 20.5 points per game on 50% shooting.
The Jayhawks have three other players who average 13+ points a night. Tre White trails Peterson with 14 points and shoots 43% from deep. Plus, big man Flory Bidunga pitches in 14.5 points and eight rebounds.
The key is the other double-digit scorer, Melvin Council Jr. He can ease the pressure on Peterson with his driving and passing ability, and he's the only other ball-handler on the roster.
On the opposite end, the Jayhawks dipped to 48th in Bart Torvik's defensive efficiency over their past eight games. I don't quite buy it, though. Kansas is 11th over a 21-game span, and it grades out well in 2-point field goal difference over both spans.
So, what changed? The Jayhawks have been victims of dreaded 3-point regression.
From November 3 to December 31, Kansas held opponents to 25% shooting from deep (second-best). In its past eight games, that number is 35.8%.
So, why don't we split the difference and imagine Kansas winds up at its season average of 33%? That feels fair.
Texas Tech Basketball
Texas Tech snapped a five-game winning streak during Saturday's loss at UCF. Now the Red Raiders return to one of the best home-court environments in the Big 12. They have yet to lose in Lubbock and already own home wins over BYU and Houston.
The Red Raiders finished 10th in Bart Torvik during January. They finally found their footing on both ends, ranking sixth in offensive efficiency and 35th in defensive efficiency.
Let's start with Tech's offense. It has the best duo in the country in big man JT Toppin and dazzling point guard Christian Anderson. Toppin could struggle against Bidunga, as bigs with length can cause issues for him. Still, he usually puts up close to 20 points each game due to his foul-drawing ability.
Anderson is a total stud, averaging 19.6 points and 7.5 assists per game.
In this matchup, I view Donovan Atwell as the X-factor. He's emerged as a clear third option for the Red Raiders due to his marksmanship from deep, rattling in 44% of his 3s. He didn't score in the final 20 minutes against UCF and the offense tailed off. Texas Tech has to get Atwell involved early and often.
Shooting is a huge part of its DNA, not just Atwell's. The Red Raiders attempt 3s on 44% of their shots and shoot 39% from deep. All five starters can hit shots from the perimeter, even Toppin at times.
Defensively, the Red Raiders rank outside the top 125 in 2-point and 3-point field goal defense, per KenPom. They aren't great defensively, but as long as they protect the glass, they'll have a good chance to contain Kansas.
Kansas vs. Texas Tech Betting Analysis
I'll take the home team here. Some home courts matter more than others, and this is one of them. The fans and culture in Lubbock can really shift a game.
Plus, Kansas just hasn't played as well on the road. Beating Kansas State and Colorado isn't enough to change my mind on the Jayhawks inconsistent road play.
The line has shifted in this one. Texas Tech opened at -2.5 and is now -4.5. The shift in spread made me wonder if Peterson was out, but he wasn't listed on the Big 12 Avaliability report that dropped on Sunday. The Red Raiders just got steamed very heavily.
My Pick: Texas Tech -4.5 (Play to -6)
