Expert prediction
No. 5 Houston vs No. 14 Kansas Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 23)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Cougars dropped down three spots in the latest AP poll.
- The Jayhawks fell six spots down in the new AP rankings.
- This marks the 12th all-time matchup between the two Big 12 squads.
The second and last ranked matchup of the Feb. 23 schedule will commence in the Big 12 when the No. 5 Houston Cougars take on the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks. The visitors come out as the slight favorite, providing many factors that can make the difference in this big conference showdown.
How to Watch
- When: Monday, Feb. 23, 9 pm ET
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
- How to Watch: ESPN
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | -115 | -2 | O138 |
| Kansas | -105 | +2 | U138 |
Game Preview
The No. 5 Cougars (23-4, 11-3 Big 12) continue to boast quality inside the top five of the latest AP Top 25 poll despite going down three spots. They are coming off back-to-back losses to Iowa State and Arizona, who are both inside the top five in the new rankings. Kingston Flemings leads the Cougars with 16.6 points and 5.2 assists per game and tops the backcourt with 49% shooting from the field. On another note, Chris Cenac Jr. leads the frontcourt with rebounding activity, producing 9.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.
The No. 14 Jayhawks (20-7, 10-4 Big 12) are going through a shaky stretch of games, beating Arizona and Oklahoma State while losing to Iowa State and Cincinnati. They average 14.9 assists, 5.4 steals, and 6.2 blocked shots per contest. Kansas also leads the Big 12 in field goal percentage defense at 38.4%, ranking fifth nationally, and three-point field goal percentage defense at 29.7%, 17th nationally. Darryn Peterson continues to boast high projections in the upcoming NBA draft, averaging 19.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He is shooting 48% from the field, including 41.5% from beyond the arc, and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
Houston vs Kansas Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 11 meetings in their history, and the result is 6-5 for the Jayhawks. The last matchup was in March 2025 when Houston won 65-59 on the road.
Houston vs Kansas Predictions
The Cougars and Jayhawks yearn to get back on the win column, not wanting to have losing streaks to go into the end of conference play. Houston is coming off a close loss to Arizona, while Kansas underperformed at home against Cincinnati. The Cougars have the national championship contention DNA to get back on the win column with quality play on both sides of the ball, presenting concern for Kansas despite being the hosts. Our betting pick here is the Cougars to cover a 2-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Houston Cougars -2
NCAAB
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