Can KU basketball end nonconference play with a win vs. Davidson? Prediction
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas hosts Davidson at Allen Fieldhouse to end nonconference play Monday.
- KU defense ranks elite nationally; ESPN Analytics gives Jayhawks a 95% chance.
- Davidson shoots well from deep but struggles inside; KU must exploit paint.
The Kansas men’s basketball team will face Davidson on Monday.
The No. 17-ranked Jayhawks (9-3) defeated Towson on Tuesday, while Davidson lost to Temple on Thursday.
Here is more about Monday’s game, including a scouting report and game prediction:
Kansas basketball vs. Davidson: Game details
When: 7 p.m. Central, Monday, Dec. 22
Where: Allen Fieldhouse (Lawrence)
TV/streaming: ESPN+
Opponent’s record: 8-3
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 121
Betting line: TBA (ESPN Analytics lists KU as 95.1% favorite)
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division I competition.
Davidson Strengths
- Red hot from deep: Davidson ranks No. 32 nationally in 3-point percentage (38%).
- Great offense: The Wildcats rank No. 51 in effective field goal percentage (55.7%)
- Bench trust: Davidson coach Matt McKillop isn’t afraid to use his bench, ranking No. 14 in bench minutes percentage (43.4%).
Davidson Weaknesses
- Rebounding struggles: Davidson ranks No. 240 in offensive rebounding percentage (29.1)
- Nothing easy at the line: The Wildcats rank No. 316 in free-throw percentage (66.3%).
- Struggles defending inside the arc: Davidson defends 3-pointers well, but struggles to defend 2-pointers. Opponents are shooting 52% on 2s, ranking No. 194 overall.
Davidson Name to Know
6-foot-6 junior guard Josh Scovens (No. 4)
+ Solid scorer (10.4 points per game)
+ Good rebounder (4.2 rebounds per game)
- Bad free-throw shooter (63.8% at the line)
- OK from deep (33.3% on 3-pointers)
- Not much of a passer (1.3 APG)
Kansas-Davidson game prediction
This game marks the end of nonconference play for the Jayhawks.
Although it’s unclear if KU freshman Darryn Peterson will play, I don’t expect KU to lose this game. Kansas matches up well against Davidson.
The Wildcats rank No. 32 in 3-point percentage, but KU’s 3-point defense is the best in the nation. KU is holding opponents to only 24.1% on 3-pointers. In fact, the Jayhawks’ defense is elite. It also ranks No. 1 in the country in opponent effective field goal percentage (41.8%).
I don’t expect Davidson to change that. The Wildcats bring a balanced offense to Allen Fieldhouse, so the Jayhawks will have to defend well across the board — but they’re capable of that.
On offense, KU needs to play through Flory Bidunga (if Peterson is out). Davidson struggles to guard inside the arc, and if Bidunga can play aggressive, it will ensure the Jayhawks won’t start slow. Sometimes that can be an issue in the last game before the holiday break.
Prediction: Kansas 72, Davidson 60
Shreyas’ season record: 11-1
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 10-2
KU Player to Watch: Melvin Council
KU guard Melvin Council has stepped up in recent games. After a horrid start to the season on 3-pointers, he’s hit 12 3-pointers in the last two games.
It’s raised his 3-point percentage from below 20% all the way to 35.4%. He’s on an absolute heater from deep, shooting 12-of-21 (57%) in that stretch.
Well, let’s see if he can continue it vs. the Wildcats. His offensive breakout has made KU’s offense look a lot better, as there’s no player in the starting lineup that opposing defenses can sag off of.
NC State tried that strategy. Council made them pay
