The No. 11-ranked Kansas Jayhawks will get started with Big 12 conference play tonight when they go into hostile territory to face the Texas Longhorns. The Jayhawks have had some surprising struggles to start the season but are still 10-2 SU overall and haven’t lost a conference opener since 1991. Kansas opened as a 2.5-point favorite vs the Longhorns in Austin.
The Jayhawks have won 13 straight Big 12 titles. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s almost hard to fathom they’re not ranked in the top five nationally but after early-season losses to Washington and Arizona State, the Jayhawks have started to regain their form and have won three straight games on the road. And going into Austin hasn’t ever seemed to faze the Jayhawks, who have dominated this matchup. They’ve claimed victory in 12 of the last 13 games in this rivalry, with three straight wins in the heart of Texas.
Texas is starting to establish its staple of being one of the best defensive teams in the country and it all starts with center Mohamed Bamba. During an excellent 66-50 win over Alabama, Bamba had 17 points, seven blocks and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes of play. The Longhorns, though, have been prone to lapses at the end of games, an area where they came up short in their losses. In setbacks to Duke, Gonzaga and Michigan, they only fell short by a combined 19 points. If Longhorns backers plan to throw some cash down on an upset win, be prepared for a close finish.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Bettors looking to go with the Texas Longhorns in this one found them listed as 3.5-point underdogs earlier on the NCAA basketball betting odds menu at Sportsbook. Check for line moves and odds updates as money coming in on the Jayhawks was expected to move the line.
Kansas Jayhawks vs Texas Longhorns Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Kansas Jayhawks will look to cover the spread vs the Texas Longhorns on Friday, as the Jayhawks are 7-4 versus the spread this season, while the Longhorns are 4-5 ATS. Kansas is 4-7 against the total, while Texas is 2-6-1 versus the total betting line.
The Power Rankings at OddsShark show No. 3-rated Kansas taking on No. 132-rated Texas in this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Texas has the nation's No. 187-rated offensive output, at 72.17 PPG. The visiting Kansas Jayhawks defense ranks No. 46 allowing on average 65.67 PPG. The Longhorns FG% has averaged 45.36% so far, less than the Jayhawks marksmen have achieved on the year, 52.3% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Kansas cruised to victory on Thursday, running Stanford out of the gym and running up a 75-54 score at Golden 1 Center.
The Longhorns got 17 points from Mohamed Bamba as Texas ran past Alabama 66-50 on Friday at Legacy Arena.
Next Betting Matchups
Kansas home to Texas Tech, Tuesday, January 2
Texas at Iowa State, Monday, January 1