Here’s a prediction for KU Jayhawks’ Saturday men’s basketball game vs. Oakland
The No. 1-ranked Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set to face Oakland on Saturday night at Allen Fieldhouse.
KU defeated Michigan State on Tuesday, while the Golden Grizzlies lost to Illinois on Wednesday.
KU holds a 2-0 lead in the all-time series. The Jayhawks won the programs’ last meeting 102-59 in 2017.
Here’s a scouting report and prediction for Saturday’s game:
No. 1 Kansas vs. Oakland
When/where: 5 p.m. at Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence
TV/streaming: ESPN+
Opponent’s record: 1-2
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 195
Betting line: Kansas is a 26.5-point favorite
All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.
Oakland Team Strengths
Solid defense: Oakland ranked No. 160 in adjusted defensive efficiency (103.9). Adjusted defensive efficiency is the points allowed per 100 possessions. MSU ranked No. 161 in the same metric during the 2023-24 season.
Limit fouls: Oakland does a great job of limiting fouls, ranking No. 78 in free-throw rate (26.5%).
Tough schedule: The Golden Grizzlies’ schedule has been tough so far, ranking No. 11 in strength of schedule.
Oakland Team Weaknesses
Issues with shooting long ball: Oakland ranks No. 362 in team 3-point percentage (13.7%). MSU also doesn’t take many 3-pointers, with just 21.6% of its shots coming from deep — that ranks No. 320 in the nation.
Horrendous overall shooting: The Golden Grizzlies rank No. 357 in effective field goal percentage (34.9%).
Oakland Name to Know
6-foot-5 senior forward Buru Naivalurua (No. 3)
+ Solid scorer (10.3 PPG)
+ Great rebounder for his size (7.7 per game)
– Not a great passer (.3 assists per game)
– Not a shooter (attempted one 3 this season ... and missed it).
Game Prediction
The question isn’t whether the Jayhawks will win this game; it’s whether KU will cover the spread.
Luckily for the Jayhawks, Oakland doesn’t have the offense, via 3-point shooting or otherwise, to keep up with Kansas.
KU, with its multiple options offensively, will overwhelm the Golden Grizzlies’ defense.
I like the Jayhawks to win and cover the spread.
Kansas 85, Oakland 55
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-26.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 3-0
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 1-2
KU Player to watch: KJ Adams
Some have questioned Adams’ fit with this year’s team, wondering what he brings, and doesn’t, to the equation.
Well, Bill Self addressed that Friday. In short, the 22nd-year Jayhawks head coach took up for Adams, calling him “as valuable as any player we’ve ever had here.”
That said, Adams turned his ankle against North Carolina and hasn’t looked the same since. According to Self, Adams practiced on Thursday, which is a good sign.
It will be interesting to see how Adams looks on both ends of the court Saturday, and whether he’s his usual energetic self.
This story was originally published November 16, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
