Free Best Parlay of the Day Access Here
Houston Clinches Big 12 Title, Kansas Faces Tough Test in Rematch
A month ago, Houston’s chances of winning the Big 12 looked shaky after back-to-back overtime losses in Las Vegas. Fast forward to now, and the fourth-ranked Cougars (25-4, 17-1 Big 12) are sitting comfortably atop the conference after securing their second straight Big 12 regular-season title with a 73-64 win over Cincinnati on Saturday.
Houston has been a force at home, going 15-1 this season. They’ll look to cap off their home schedule Monday against Kansas, a team they already took down in a 92-86 double-overtime thriller earlier this year.
For bettors, Houston is one of just four teams in the country ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency (KenPom). That two-way dominance has made them a strong ATS (Against The Spread) play all season. Three of their four losses have come in overtime, showing just how tough they are to beat in regulation. Their only non-OT loss? Against Auburn, the current No. 1 team in the country.
After a shaky 4-3 start to the season, Houston has found its groove. The Cougars are rolling into March as a legitimate title contender, and Monday’s matchup is another chance to showcase their dominance before the postseason.
Kansas Struggles in Close Games, Faces Another Tough Road Test
Kansas (19-10, 10-8 Big 12) is coming off a tough 78-73 home loss to No. 10 Texas Tech, a game where they erased an 11-point halftime deficit but couldn’t close it out late. This has been a troubling trend for the Jayhawks— they’re just 1-3 in two-possession games in Big 12 play.
That doesn’t bode well heading into a hostile road environment against one of the most balanced teams in the country. Kansas has already dropped two straight to Houston, including the double-OT heartbreaker at home in January.
Despite the recent struggles, Kansas has a few bright spots. Senior forward KJ Adams Jr. posted 21 points and a career-high 13 rebounds against Texas Tech, while center Hunter Dickinson added 18 points and nine boards. Dickinson remains the Jayhawks’ most consistent weapon, averaging 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Betting Outlook
Houston is red-hot, riding an eight-game winning streak and dominating at home.
Kansas has struggled in close games, making it hard to trust them in a tight matchup.
Houston’s efficiency on both ends (top 10 in offensive & defensive efficiency) makes them a strong team.
Kansas is just 2-3 against top-10 teams, and Houston is arguably the toughest test yet.
Kansas is showing inconsistency in high-pressure moments, but they should be able to put up 61 plus points and cover this number we have on the team total.
