The Kansas Jayhawks (19-10) travel to face off against the Houston Cougars (26-4) on Monday, March 3rd. This game will be played at Fertitta Center in Houston and televised on ESPN. Houston is coming off a win in their previous game, while Kansas is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Texas Tech. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.

Kansas Jayhawks vs Houston Cougars

The Jayhawks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Kansas Jayhawks Recent Game/Games

The Jayhawks fell to 19-10 on the season after a 78-73 home loss to Texas Tech on Saturday. Kansas, who entered the game as -3.5 favorites, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 151, going over the pre-game line of 144.5.

Kansas found themselves down 48-37 at halftime but tightened up defensively in the second half, allowing just 30 points while scoring 36. Despite the improved effort, they couldn’t complete the comeback.

The Cougars Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games

Houston improved to 26-4 this season with a 73-64 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. The Cougars were favored by -13.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 137, surpassing the over/under line of 125.5.

Houston led 37-25 at halftime, but they allowed 39 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. Despite the win, their defense will need to tighten up as they head into the postseason.

Jayhawks Offense Breakdown

Kansas put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 48.3% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.7%, thanks in large part to their 59.5% shooting on two-point attempts. However, they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 18 threes for a 22.2% shooting percentage.

KJ Adams and JT Toppin each scored 21 points, with Adams going 10 for 12 from the field and adding 13 rebounds. Toppin shot 9 for 15, including 2 of 5 from three-point range. Christian Anderson contributed 15 points, making 5 of 10 threes and dishing out 6 assists.

Cougars Offense Breakdown

Houston’s offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 53.6% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 64.3% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from three, connecting on just 3 of 14 attempts (21.4%).

L.J. Cryer led the way with 20 points, shooting 53.8% overall and 33.3% from deep. Day Day Thomas added 19 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 66.7% from the field and 50% from three.

Jayhawks Team Defense

Even with Kansas giving up 78 points, their defense held the opposition to just 22% from beyond the arc, with only 4 made threes on 18 attempts. However, the Jayhawks struggled to contain two-point shots, allowing 25 baskets on 42 attempts, which contributed to the opponent’s 48% overall shooting.

Kansas sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 11 free throws for a 68% success rate. The Jayhawks also gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Cougars Team Defense

Despite giving up 78 points, Kansas held their opponent to just 4 made threes on 18 attempts, a 22% shooting performance from beyond the arc. However, their defense struggled inside, allowing 25 two-point field goals on 42 attempts, a 59% conversion rate.

From the free-throw line, Kansas’s opponent went 11/16, shooting 68%. The Jayhawks also allowed 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Jayhawks vs Cougars Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Jayhawks have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 3-6-1 vs. the spread. The team averaged 68 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last five home games, Houston has averaged 68 points per game while allowing 58. The team’s record in this stretch was 5-0 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Jayhawks have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 0-3.
• The Cougars have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 5-0 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.

Jayhawks vs Cougars Prediction

When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Cougars vs. Cougars game, our recommendation is to take the Cougars at -9.5. Despite our model showing the Cougars winning 77-69, we like Jayhawks as our point-spread pick.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 132.5, and our model projects the Jayhawks and Cougars to reach a combined total of 146 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.