The Kansas Jayhawks and the Houston Cougars continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Lawerence, Kan.
Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. central. Houston (15-3, 7-0 in Big 12) is ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 while Kansas (14-4, 5-2) is ranked No. 12.
Houston is the only remaining undefeated team left in Big 12 action. But, this is the first game against a Big 12 opponent that is ranked at the time of the game (West Virginia has been ranked a couple of times, but not the week the Mountaineers faced the Cougars).
Kansas has won five of its last six games. The only loss was to then-No. 2 Iowa State and the game turned into a blowout. In addition, the other Big 12 loss was to West Virginia in the season opener at Allen Fieldhouse. So, the Jayhawks are a bit vulnerable in the Phog this season.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Kansas vs. Houston
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN
Site: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kan.
Kansas vs. Houston Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Houston -1
Current Line: Houston -2
Over/Under: 127.5
Kansas vs. Houston Predictions
Houston is a No. 4 seed in ESPN Bracketology and it feels like a bit of an under-seed right now. The Cougars are on an 11-game winning streak, and that includes seven straight wins in Big 12 action.
The Cougars have the No. 1 defense in the country according to Ken Pom efficiency rankings. But what really stands out is how they protect the basketball. Houston enters the game committing just nine turnovers per game. Given how intense the Cougars’ defense can be, the fact that they don’t turn the ball over much speaks to how well its guards are controlling the game.
Forward J’Wan Roberts is having a terrific season, averaging 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He’s also blocking nearly a shot per game. He’s a difference-maker for a team that is built around its perimeter players.
Trying to figure out Kansas has been a bit of a sport this season. Is this a great team? Has it hit its ceiling? Is there room to improve?
Aside from the great seasons fashioned by center Hunter Dickinson and guard Zeke Mayo, the uptick in Flory Bidunga’s play is intriguing. He’s coming off a 10-point, 10-rebound, four-block game against TCU. He’s also logged 25 minutes in each of the last two games. It’s a good development for a team that needs more depth.
As hard as it is to win in Allen Fieldhouse, the Cougars have a defense that can make the difference in a showdown that should come right down to the wire.
Houston 73, Kansas 71
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston (58.6% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
