NCAAB: #14 Kansas vs #1 Houston Odds, and Picks (Mar 9)

• Kansas bounced back in a dominant win over Kansas State, defeating them 90-68.
• Houston claimed their 8th straight win, after taking down UCF, 67-59, on the road.
• These two teams last matched up on February 3, in a game that Kansas won 78-65.

Selection Sunday is just two weeks away! Let’s look at this matchup between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Houston Cougars. Both teams are locks to make the NCAA Tournament, but can improve their seeds.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Kansas has gone just 4-4 over their last 8 games, with a 10-7 overall record in Big-12 play. They’ve slid to #14 in the AP Top 25, but remain on track to receive a 3-seed. The Jayhawks haven’t been struggling so much as just facing a tough conference schedule, but they still need to gain some momentum before the tournament. They’ll look to exert size and experience as they aim for the sweep of Houston in this game.

Houston is back to being ranked #1 in the country, and remains projected to receive the South Region’s 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Cougars haven’t stumbled in the slightest in their first season since moving from the AAC to the Big-12. They can lock up the conference’s regular season title with a win in this game. They lost badly to Kansas on the road a month ago, so they’ll aim to avenge that performance.

Prediction

After establishing itself as one of the giants in the nation’s best conference, Houston has another chance to make a statement by beating the Big-12’s most consistent program in Kansas. They struggled on the road last time, but will be back on their home court for the rematch. I see the Cougars winning a close one.

NCAAB Picks:

• Houston 65, Kansas 62 (KU +8.5)