Kansas Jayhawks basketball game prediction: Can KU handle a desperate Cincinnati?
The No. 11-ranked Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team visits Big 12 foe Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon.
KU beat Arizona State on Wednesday at Allen Fieldhouse. A day earlier, Cincinnati lost to Baylor.
Here is a scouting report and prediction for Saturday’s game:
No. 11 Kansas vs. Cincinnati
When/where: 1 p.m., Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV/streaming: ESPN+
Opponent’s record: 10-4
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 57
Betting line: Cincinnati is a 1.5-point favorite.
All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.
Cincinnati Strengths
Elite defense: The Bearcats rank No. 11 in adjusted defensive efficiency (92.7). Adjusted defensive efficiency is the number of points given up per 100 possessions. KU ranks No. 4 in the same metric.
Long-ball defenders: Cincinnati has an elite perimeter defense that’s held the opponents’ 3-point percentage to 28.6%, ranking No. 14 in the nation.
Tough schedule: UC has played a demanding schedule. The Bearcats’ strength of schedule ranks No. 116 overall, but UC still has an impressive record.
Cincinnati Weaknesses
Can’t draw fouls: UC ranks No. 342 in foul rate (25.1).
Nothing easy at the line: The Bearcats shoot an abysmal 62.8% from the free-throw line, ranking No. 355.
Few 3-pointers: UC ranks 169th in 3-point rate (39.6) and 115th in 3-point percentage (34.5).
Cincinnati Name to Know
6-foot-6 junior guard Dan Skillings (No. 0)
+ Quality scorer (13.1 PPG)
+ Good rebounder (4.4 RPG)
+ Good shooter (37.8% on 3-pointers)
- Not much of a passer (2 APG)
- Not a great free-throw shooter (71.4%)
Game Prediction
This will be a tough matchup for the Jayhawks. Cincinnatis is desperate for a win, as the Bearcats have lost three straight games.
On top of that, road games have been an issue for coach Bill Self’s team.
Cincinnati’s stellar defense will test Kansas. The Jayhawks must be aggressive from the opening tip. KU wants to score inside, and that may not be easy.
In addition, KU must play its usual stellar defense and not be afraid to get physical. It’s not necessarily bad if the Jayhawks foul UC, as the Bearcats struggle at the line.
I like KU in this one.
Kansas 70, Cincinnati 65
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (+1.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 11-3
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 7-7
KU Player to watch: Flory Bidunga
It seems freshman big man Flory Bidunga does something special every game. He is certainly improving at a rapid pace.
Bidunga’s growth has been fun to watch, but more importantly, he’s already helped turn around games for the Jayhawks. Let’s see how he fares against a desperate Cincy.
