Jan 6, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts late in the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at Allen Fieldhouse. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12) face the No. 7 Houston Cougars (15-3, 7-0 Big 12) in a high-stakes Big 12 showdown on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. With Houston undefeated in conference play and Kansas looking to defend their home court, this matchup promises to be a thriller. Here’s our preview, including how to watch, betting odds, and predictions.
How to Watch Kansas vs. Houston
- Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: FuboTV (try for free)
- Site: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
Kansas vs. Houston Betting Odds, Lines
- Opening Line: Houston -1
- Current Line: Houston -1.5
- Over/Under: 127.5
- Money Line: Houston -135, Kansas +114
Odds via SportsLine consensus.
Kansas vs. Houston Preview
Houston enters on an 11-game winning streak, including a perfect 7-0 Big 12 record. The Cougars boast the nation’s top defense, allowing just 53.9 points per game and leading in field goal defense (35.3%). They’re particularly stingy inside, with opponents shooting only 39.6% on two-pointers—the lowest in college basketball. Houston’s ball security is elite, averaging just nine turnovers per game, a testament to guards L.J. Cryer (13.8 points per game) and Emanuel Sharp (if he plays, despite an ankle injury). Forward J’Wan Roberts anchors the frontcourt, averaging 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and nearly a block per game.
Kansas, meanwhile, has won five of its last six games, with their only loss a 74-57 blowout at No. 2 Iowa State. The Jayhawks are coming off a 74-61 road win over TCU, where freshman Flory Bidunga notched a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks). Hunter Dickinson (15.8 points, 10.2 rebounds) and Zeke Mayo (13 points per game) remain the offensive leaders, but Kansas struggles with offensive spacing, ranking 32nd in adjusted offensive efficiency. Their defense, however, is formidable, ranking fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency. A concern for Kansas is the absence of big man KJ Adams, which could hurt against Houston’s physical frontcourt.
Allen Fieldhouse is a tough place to win, but Kansas has shown vulnerability at home, losing to West Virginia in their Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks are rarely home underdogs—only the third time since 2020-21—but have covered the spread in both prior instances. Houston, however, is 3-0 in true road games and has covered in two of those.
Kansas vs. Houston Predictions
This game pits Houston’s top-ranked defense against Kansas’ potent but inconsistent offense. The Cougars’ ability to limit two-point shots will challenge Dickinson and Bidunga, while Kansas must run Cryer and Sharp off the three-point line, where Houston shoots 39.9% (fifth nationally). The Jayhawks’ bench, led by AJ Storr’s recent breakout, could provide a spark, but Houston’s discipline and depth make them a slight favorite.
KenPom projects a 64-63 Houston win, and SportsLine’s model gives the Cougars a slight edge, covering the -1.5 spread in nearly 70% of simulations. However, Kansas’ home crowd and defensive grit could keep this close. We expect a low-scoring, physical battle that comes down to the wire.
Prediction: Houston 69, Kansas 67
Houston covers the -1.5 spread, and the game stays under 127.5 points.
Our Take
This matchup is a clash of Big 12 titans, with Houston’s defensive dominance facing Kansas’ home-court magic. The Jayhawks’ depth, highlighted by Bidunga’s emergence, gives them a chance, but Houston’s relentless defense and ball control should prevail in a tight contest. At Big12sportz, we’re all about the passion of college hoops—stay tuned for more Big 12 action
