Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks Betting Pick and Prediction
The Kansas Jayhawks look to stay near the top of the Big 12 Conference when they host the Texas Longhorns on Monday night. The Big 12 Conference is absolutely loaded with great teams this season, and each game will be a battle. The Jayhawks have beaten the Longhorns nine straight times, and have dominated the all-time head to head series.
Kansas brings a 14-2 record into this game, and are the seventh-ranked team in college basketball. The Jayhawks suffered a road loss at Iowa State, but are 3-1 so far in Big 12 Conference play. Texas is just 10-6 on the season, and have lost two straight Big 12 games. The Longhorns face a tough test at historic Allen Fieldhouse in this game. Kansas is an 8.5 point favorite over Texas on Monday night.
Kansas Must Deal With Azubuike Injury
The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a big blow earlier this month with the injury to center Udoka Azubuike. Kansas looked like the clear favorite to win the Big 12 before that injury, but now must regroup and find new ways to win. The Jayhawks are averaging close to 80 points per game but will be missing a big weapon. Kansas looked shaky in their previous game against Baylor but were able to sneak out a 73-68 road win.
Forward Dedric Lawson has had a monster season in his first in a Jayhawks uniform. Lawson is averaging 19.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game and still gives Kansas an inside scoring threat. Guard Lagerald Vick is one of the best three-point shooters in the country and is pouring in 14.8 points per game. The Jayhawks still have plenty of weapons, but everyone will have to pick up their level of play.
Texas Looking For a Leader
Texas head coach Shaka Smart is looking for someone to emerge as a leader on the floor. The Longhorns are giving up just 63.9 points per game on defense, but they don’t always look great on offense. Texas is averaging just over 60 points per game since Big 12 play has started, and that type of scoring output won’t work against the Jayhawks. Texas needs to start winning games or they run the risk of missing out on the NCAA Tournament.
Senior guard Kerwin Roach was supposed to be the leader of the Texas team, but he has struggled with consistency this season. Roach is averaging a team-high 13.6 points and 3.6 assists per game, but Texas needs more from their star. Jaxson Hayes and Matt Coleman are the only other Longhorns averaging double figures, each putting up 10.1 points per game. Texas needs to find more offense if they are going to win conference games.
Jayhawks Win at Allen Fieldhouse
The Kansas Jayhawks look vulnerable without Azubuike on the floor, but they are still almost impossible to beat at home. Kansas still has the talent to win another Big 12 regular season title, but they are going to need some other players to step up. This was supposed to be the year that the Longhorns basketball team took a step forward, but they haven’t been able to find enough offense. Winning on the road in the Big 12 isn’t easy, and Texas won’t be able to get the job done on Monday night. Bet the Kansas Jayhawks -8.5 over the Texas Longhorns.