There’s a marquee matchup at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday as the No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks (14-4, 5-2 Big 12) host the No. 7 Houston Cougars (15-3, 7-0 Big 12).
It’s an important game for the conference race, which the Cougars currently lead thanks to their unblemished record.
What’s the best bet for the big game on the hardcourt? Check out our college basketball picks and Houston vs. Kansas predictions for Saturday, January 25 to find out.
Houston vs Kansas prediction
My best bet
Kansas +1 (+110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Houston Cougars and Kansas Jayhawks are both elite teams. Houston ranks third in KenPom while Kansas is right behind at seventh, and both are widely viewed as Final Four contenders.
Houston has been its typical dominant self under Kelvin Sampson, but it’s fair to question the strength of the opposition. The Cougars have (mostly) run over who they’re supposed to, but we’ve yet to find out if they can steamroll even the best teams in the sport — especially on the road. I’m betting not.
The Cougars typically dominate opponents in part due to a two-big lineup that crashes the boards relentlessly. The Jayhawks are uniquely poised to counter that style with Flory Bidunga and Hunter Dickinson down low, and the teams have nearly identical rebounding percentages (Houston 54.5%, Kansas 54.1%).
Houston’s other calling card is its stingy defense that leads the nation in adjusted efficiency. Again, Kansas is right there to match, ranking fourth in adjusted efficiency and excelling since going with Shakeel Moore in the starting lineup.
Both teams have been shorthanded — Kansas is without frontcourt players KJ Adams and Zach Clemence while Houston likely sees the return of Emanuel Sharp.
We saw this same matchup play out last year when Kansas ran over Houston 78-65 at home. Phog is a different animal and Bill Self is 292-16 (94.8%) at home in his career leading the Jayhawks.
Houston’s a very good team, sure — but so is Kansas. Sampson’s squad has yet to prove it's on a different level from the Jayhawks, which would need to be a clear requisite for me to consider fading Self at Phog. Give me the home team.
Houston vs Kansas same-game parlay (SGP)
Kansas moneyline
Under 126.5
Kansas has been on a remarkable run to the Under this season at 2-16 O/U. Given the matchup against a 7-11 O/U Houston team, this game features two top-five defenses and two teams trending heavily toward the Under, so I’m betting on another one coming through Saturday.
Both teams are elite at rebounding and defense, so possessions will be at a premium as the coaches emphasize grabbing every loose ball so as to not let this game get away from them.
Houston’s Emanuel Sharp is probable to return to the court, but it’s fair to question if he’ll be at 100% after missing his team’s last game. Kansas has had solid perimeter defense since Moore moved to the starting lineup and has two big men to match Houston’s size, so it’s a bit of a stalemate on that end.
On the other end, the Jayhawks just haven’t clicked offensively. They rank 34th in adjusted efficiency and have been vastly overrated in the betting market — hence the sustained run toward the Under.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game CBB moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your school goes up by 18+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Houston vs Kansas odds
Houston vs Kansas live odds
Houston vs Kansas opening odds
- Spread: Houston -1 (-105) | Kansas +1 (-115)
- Moneyline: Houston -115 | Kansas -105
- Over/Under: Over 126 (-110) | Under 126 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Houston vs Kansas betting trend to know
Kansas is 292-16 at home in the Bill Self era. Find more college basketball betting trends for Houston vs. Kansas.
How to watch Houston vs Kansas
| Location | Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS |
| Date | Saturday, 1-25-2025 |
| Tip-off | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Houston vs Kansas key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
