NCAAB: #4 Houston vs #8 Kansas Odds, and Picks (Feb 3)

• Houston picked up their 5th straight win on Tuesday, after defeating Texas 76-72.
• Kansas went 1-1 last week, falling to Iowa State, but blowing out Oklahoma State.
• This will be the very first matchup between these two teams in their program history.

The college basketball season is heating up! Let’s preview the upcoming Houston vs Kansas Big-12 game. These teams are battling for the top spot in their conference, as well as a potential 1-seed in the tourney.

How to Watch

• Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
• When: Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 4 p.m ET
• Channel: ESPN

Preview

Houston climbed back into the top 4 after another strong week, remaining projected to receive a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’ve won 5 straight games after starting out 1-2 in Big-12 conference play, proving their ability to their new conference. They get a signature matchup here against Kansas, in what could be a premier future basketball rivalry in the Big-12. They’ll rely on their stellar defense once again.

Kansas is 2-2 over their last 4 games, sliding to 4th place in the Big-12. They have a key opportunity to get back on track at home against #4 Houston. A win could cause the Jayhawks to claim a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they are currently projected as a 2-seed. Kansas has an experienced roster, but has struggled on the road with three straight losses. They’ll aim to right the ship at home in this matchup.

Prediction

This is the debut of what will likely be a top-tier rivalry matchup in the Big-12 for years to come. Both of these programs have had incredible success over the past two decades, and are now competing within the same conference. I’m a little concerned by the Jayhawks cumbersome play as of late, but that has affected them the most on the road. I think they’ll manage to defeat Houston at home this time around.

NCAAB Picks:

• Kansas 73, Houston 67 ()