The Kansas Jayhawks will be on the road taking on the BYU Cougars on Tuesday night, looking to split their Utah road trip after losing to the Utah Utes on Saturday night.
The Cougars have won two in a row, finding themselves in a tie for fifth-place in the conference with these very Jayhawks. Our Kansas vs. BYU prediction looks at two teams trying to separate themselves, grabbing sole possession of fifth place in the Big 12. Here, we take a dive into the spread, total, and money line bets for this late night matchup in Provo.
Kansas vs. BYU Betting Preview
All Kansas vs. BYU odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
- Spread
BYU -2.5 - CSN Line
BYU -0.5 - Moneyline
BYU -148, Kansas +124 - Over/Under
148.5 points - Game Time
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 9:00 p.m. ET - Location
Marriot Center | Provo, UT - How To Watch
ESPN
Kansas enters this game with a 17-8 overall and 8-6 conference record. They haven’t been great ATS this season, posting an 11-14 record and covering only five of 14 opportunities in Big 12 play. In fact, of their past eight outings, the Jayhawks have only covered twice.
They’ve been even worse in terms of reaching the over. Incredibly, only six of their 25 games this season have gone over the listed point total — yet a slightly higher mark of five of 14 have gone over in conference. Kansas’s offense has gone dry as of late, averaging only 70.0 ppg over their last five games.
BYU has been better in terms of covering than the Jayhawks, holding a 14-11 record ATS. On the comforts of their home floor, they’ve covered nine of 14 chances. The Cougars come in with an identical 17-8 overall and 8-6 Big 12 record.
Primarily even in terms of over/under, 13 of BYU’s 25 games have gone over. Similarly, 50% of their conference and home games have gone over. They also haven’t had a fiery offense as of late, only averaging 73.0 ppg over their last four.
Kansas vs. BYU CSN Power Rankings Line
Our power rankings are just slightly lower on the Cougars, favoring them just slightly in a near pick ’em. While the Jayhawks are ranked slightly higher at No. 11, the Cougars are right behind at No. 15.
Factoring in that this game will be played at Marriot Center in Provo, UT, and that line is solidly placed.
Preview for Kansas vs. BYU
These two teams have had an identical season up to this point. They each come in with 17-8 overall and 8-6 conference records. While the Cougars score three more points a night, they also give up three more points than their counterparts. They’re within one rebound and assist per game, as well as only a 0.5% different in terms of shooting from the field.
The way they’re built differs, however.
The Jayhawks offense runs through 7’2″ center Hunter Dickinson, who averages 16.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game; he’s scored in double-digits in nine straight games. Senior point guard Dejuan Harris feeds him down low to the tune of a team-leading 5.7 assists per game.
Guard Zeke Mayo adds in 15.0 ppg while shooting 45.1% from the field.
Freshman point guard Egor Demin is the headliner for the Cougars, scoring 11.0 ppg and leading the team in passing with 5.5 apg. His innate ability to dictate the pace of the game has elevated the Cougars as the season have gone on.
Junior forward Richie Saunders is the teams’ leading scorer, pouring in 15.0 ppg and grabbing 4.5 rpg. 6’8″ center Keba Keita is a phsycial presence down low, recording a team-leading 7.6 rpg, so it’ll be interesting how he can match up with the much taller Dickinson.
It’s an intriguing matchup, with both teams aspiring for a ninth win in Big 12 play.
Best Bets and Final Score Prediction
It’s hard not to go with the numbers as far as the listed point total. The Jayhawks having gone under in 19 of their 25 games should be an instant signal to pump the brakes as far as analysis goes.
We’ll trust Kansas for what they are: under machines. The total nearing 150 points at 148.5 only adds to the enticement.
The Jayhawks are a huge name brand in terms of the sport of college basketball — but this season they haven’t lived up to expectations. The Cougars meanwhile, have flown under the radar after being an NCAA Tournament team just last season.
MORE TUESDAY NIGHT ACTION: Purdue vs. Michigan State
With the addition of Demin, who may be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, BYU may have an even higher ceiling than 2023-24, when they lost in the first round to Duquesne.
I don’t love taking the line of BYU -2.5 when the difference in taking their money line is so slim, especially as the line grows. I got in early at -122, but don’t love the value not at -148. I think they win, but it’s not my favorite play of the night. They’re at home and they’ve won two games in a row, seemingly gaining confidence as they reach the home stretch of conference play.
I expect the first half to be in the high 30s. The pace will slow down in the second half, ensuring the under as a successful play. In the end, BYU will pull out a close victory over Kansas, vaulting themselves into sole possession of fifth place in the Big 12 standings. The under is the best value here, but I’m leaning towards the Cougars.
Picks: Under 148.5 points, BYU money line (-148)
Prediction: BYU 72, Kansas 67
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