The Kansas Jayhawks look to overcome their struggles at altitude as they visit the Colorado Buffaloes for ESPN Big Monday.
Bill Self’s squad has fallen short of expectations this season and has had troubles on the road, leading to a shortened 7-point line in the betting market.
See why I’m buying low with my Kansas vs. Colorado predictions and college basketball picks for Monday, February 24.
Kansas vs Colorado prediction
My best bet
Kansas -7 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Let’s keep it simple. We’re dealing with one of the best teams in the Big 12 against the worst, and the line is within a touchdown. I’m grabbing the value with the Kansas Jayhawks.
I’ll acknowledge that the line is this short for a reason. The Jayhawks have struggled on the road (3-7 ATS) and recently laid two duds at altitude, falling 74-67 to Utah and 91-57 to BYU.
Those are underwhelming results, to be fair, but take them with a grain of salt. Utah is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games (the Huntsman Center is a difficult place to play!), and BYU is 4-0 straight up and ATS in its previous four games, including an upset over Arizona this weekend.
Despite those negatives, Kansas is the far superior team. Self’s squad ranks fifth overall in adjusted defensive efficiency, and the offense is coming off a 96-point showing against Oklahoma State. Self said his team’s “new season” started that game and expects a strong finish to the regular season.
Per BartTorvik, the Colorado Buffaloes rank 107th during conference play (160th in adjusted offensive efficiency, 89th in adjusted defensive efficiency). It’s difficult to envision this poor offense putting up many points against an elite Jayhawks defense, so staying within this number would likely require a lights-out defensive performance.
The Buffs have struggled to defend opposing bigs, and that’s a problem against Hunter Dickinson, KJ Adams, and Flory Bidunga. Kansas ranks seventh in near-proximity field goal percentage (per Haslametrics) and forecasts to have enough offensive success to make this line appear short.
Some will consider it foolish to back a Kansas team that has underperformed its talent level, especially at home. I think this is a good time to buy low at a decreased number against a poor Colorado team that's been entirely unprepared for Big 12 play.
Kansas vs Colorado same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 141
Kansas -7
The total is an interesting handicap. Despite both teams having stronger defensive metrics than offensive metrics, there’s still reason to expect points.
Kansas’ defense has shown great vulnerabilities on the road, allowing 81.8 ppg in its last four away outings. While this is a good matchup to get back on track, how much can it truly improve after the defense has proven time and time again that it's more effective at home?
Colorado has a poor offense, which is fair, but it scored 76 points in back-to-back home games and is 4-1 O/U in its last five games at the CU Events Center.
The Jayhawks are 6-3 O/U in their last nine games and face a beatable Buffaloes defense. There should be a decent tempo in this matchup as well.
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.
Kansas vs Colorado odds
Kansas vs Colorado live odds
Kansas vs Colorado opening odds
- Spread: Kansas -6.5 | Colorado +6.5
- Moneyline: Kansas -260 | Colorado +210
- Over/Under: Over 140.5 | Under 140.5
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Kansas vs Colorado betting trend to know
Eleven of Colorado’s 14 conference losses have come by 10+ points. Find more college basketball betting trends for Kansas vs. Colorado.
How to watch Kansas vs Colorado
| Location | CU Events Center, Boulder, CO |
| Date | Monday, 2-24-2025 |
| Tip-off | 11:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Kansas vs Colorado 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.
