The Houston Cougars (19-2, 6-2) are looking to send a big statement nationwide against the Kansas Jayhawks (17-4, 5-3). This game is where you feel sorry for people who only tune in for March Madness. Regardless of who you root for, this is an exciting game to look forward to!
Houston is looking to establish themselves as one of the top teams. And even though they are not necessarily a household name, this year they have been great! In contrast, Kansas was the number 1 team for a while, but some early losses removed them from there. However, this is still a talented roster and one of the tougher teams to face, especially at home.
In a top-10 environment, you expect to see stars and big-time plays, especially as we are in the heat of conference play! However, as great as Kansas is, why are the Houston Cougars favored on the road?
Houston Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks Betting Odds And Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Houston Cougars | -1 -108 |
O135 -105 |
-118 |
| Kansas Jayhawks | +1 -112 |
U135 -115 |
-102 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
- Fixture: Houston Cougars @ Kansas Jayhawks
- Date and Time: February 3, 2024 @ 4 p.m. EST
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas
Key Stats
Houston Cougars (Averages)
Points: 74.0
Points Allowed: 52.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 26.7/61.3 for 43.6%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 7.8/22.0 for 35.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 12.9/19.0 for 67.8%
Rebounds: 14.8 Offensive, 25.7 Defensive, 40.5 Combined
Assists: 13.2
Steals: 10.1
Blocks: 5.3
Turnovers: 9.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 17.4/48.9 for 35.5%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 6.0/21.0 for 28.3%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 12.1/19.0 for 63.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.0 Offensive, 22.5 Defensive, 32.5 Combined
The Houston Cougars get after you on the defensive end. Even on off nights in terms of offense, their defense will always keep them in games. This high-pressure, high-energy contact in your face group will ensure you feel their presence, regardless of your national rank.
Jamal Shead will be new to lead the way. Even during a shooting slump, he finds ways to impact the game. This year, he is averaging 12.3 points a game, but that is not what’s most impressive about his game. While leading the offense, he has nearly six assists with only 2.1 turnovers per outing. Although against Texas, he had four assists to four turnovers, he was able to chip in a respectable 25 points. However it comes to him, he will play a large role in this Houston Cougars squad.
Kansas Jayhawks (Averages)
Points: 79.2
Points Allowed: 67.6
Field Goal Efficiency: 29.6/58.1 for 50.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 6.4/17.8 for 36.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 13.6/18.4 for 74.1%
Rebounds: 8.4 Offensive, 28.5 Defensive, 36.9 Combined
Assists: 20.7
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 4.1
Turnovers: 11.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 24.1/61.0 for 39.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 7.8/24.3 for 32.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 11.5/16.4 for 70.3%
Rebounds Against: 10.0 Offensive, 22.3 Defensive, 32.3 Combined
Kansas is a good team, and even though they have played quality opponents in Allen Fieldhouse, they have not lost at home this year! However, the Houston Cougars present a different problem! That being said, however, they look due. Two of their last four home games could have gone either way despite the strength of this roster. While being favorites, they only squeaked out a five-point win against Cincinnati and a two-point win against TCU.
Of course, one of the bigger matchup problems in the nation remains Hunter Dickinson. Also, he averages a double-double, including a strong 18.6 ppg and 12.3 rebounds at home. While he should be on watch-out alert for a huge night, he remains the best option for Kansas to defend homecourt against the Houston Cougars.
Game Prediction:
The defense of the Houston Cougars is too good to ignore! As mentioned earlier, even during a scoring drought, they can limit Kansas’s opportunities while giving themselves added chances to score. Regardless of whether the shots do not fall, this team can create separation by just getting in more shots than Kansas.
I see the Houston Cougars winning by at least a field goal and both teams finding it hard to score. This is why the smart move is to take their side of the spread and to go with the under. I can see them easily winning, especially down the stretch. But getting buckets will be a chore and a half during this game.
