It will be a meeting between two tremendous defenses when the Texas Longhorns (12-4, 2-2 Big 12) clash against the sixth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks (13-3, 3-1 Big 12) at Frank Erwin Special Events Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Longhorns defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 76-64, while the Jayhawks beat the Oklahoma Sooners 66-52.
Kansas dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.4 (below their season average of 31.9) and a free throw rate of 0.140 (matching their season average). Oklahoma had marks of 18.6 and 0.097, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Texas’ 0.616 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Oklahoma State, who had a mark of 0.452. The Longhorns’ mark was above their season average of 0.510. Courtney Ramey played well for Texas with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Kansas, meanwhile, was led by Udoka Azubuike, who contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds.
The Jayhawks edged out the Longhorns in this series last year, winning two out of three contests. In the most recent matchup, Kansas won 65-57. Kansas’ 0.291 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Texas, who had a mark of 0.161. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the nation’s top defenses go head-to-head. Texas currently ranks 50th in defensive efficiency (91.4) and Kansas is 15th (87.3).
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas, ATS Winner – Texas, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (15.7) while Kansas ranks 259th (27.0).
- 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 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).
Bettings Trends:
- The Longhorns’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 6.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (10.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
