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Expert prediction

Cincinnati vs No. 8 Kansas Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 21)

  • Richard Pereira
  • Feb 21, 2026 at 10:52 AM EST
  • The Bearcats have won their last three conference matchups.
  • The Jayhawks are in the mix for the Big 12 regular-season title.
  • This marks the 11th all-time matchup between the two Big 12 squads.

The MAC will conclude the Feb. 20 slate as the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks host the Cincinnati Bearcats. The hosts stand out as the solid favorite, needing to defend homecourt and make their way up the AP Top 25 as one of the best teams in the country.

How to Watch

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 pm ET
  • Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
  • How to Watch: CBS

NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines

TeamOddsSpreadTotals
Cincinnati-105+10O139.5
Kansas-115-10U139.5

Game Preview

The Bearcats (14-12, 6-7 Big 12) see themselves in the middle of the pack within the Big 12 standings. Despite this, they are coming off three consecutive wins over UCF, Kansas State and Utah. They rank third in the Big 12 in 3-point attempts per game (26.2), fourth in the conference in scoring defense (67.0), field goal percentage defense (41.1) and assists per game (16.5) and fifth in defensive rebounds per game (26.12) and turnovers forced per game (13.15). Baba Miller has been a standout for the squad, tying for 23rd nationally and second in the Big 12 in double-doubles with 11, while sitting first in the conference and fourth nationally with 7.92 defensive rebounds per contest and 11th in the country and second in the conference with 10.4 total rebounds per game. He is averaging 13.7 points, 10.4 boards and 3.2 assists per game this season.

The No. 8 Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12) are enjoying a strong campaign, competing with Arizona, Houston and Iowa State for the regular-season title. They have won nine of their last 10 games as they lead the Big 12 in blocks per game (6.2), field goal percentage defense (38.4%) and 3-point percentage defense (29.7%). Darryn Peterson leads the Jayhawks with 20.0 points per game, while sophomore forward Flory Bidunga goes for 14.5 points and a team-high 9.2 rebounds per game.

Cincinnati vs Kansas Head-to-Head

The two programs have had 10 meetings in their history, and the result is 5-5 for both teams. The last matchup was in January 2025 when Kansas won 54-40 on the road.

Cincinnati vs Kansas Predictions

The Bearcats do have momentum going into this matchup, even if two of the wins have been against opponents in bad form. However, Kansas has shown better quality on both sides of the ball, and with homecourt advantage, it will be difficult for Cincinnati to pull away with a victory in hostile territory. Our betting pick here is the Jayhawks to defend a 10-point spread.

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