KU Jayhawks and Houston Cougars clash in Friday’s Big 12 semifinals. So who wins?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Houston ranks top-6 in defense and opponent turnover rate tonight.
- KU must prevent Houston second-chance points and get Peterson efficient.
- Prediction favors Houston narrowly; betting line shows UH by 5.5.
The Kansas Jayhawks continue postseason play against Houston in Friday night’s Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals at T-Mobile Center.
No. 3-seeded KU (23-9) beat TCU on Thursday in Kansas City, while No. 2 Houston beat BYU. Head to head, the Jayhawks topped the Cougars in their one matchup this season.
Here is more about Friday’s game, including a scouting report and prediction:
Kansas basketball vs. UH: Game details
When: 8:30 p.m. Central Time on Friday
Where: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
TV/streaming: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 27-5
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 6
Betting line: UH by 5.5.
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division-I competition.
UH Strengths
- Cashing freebies: Houston ranks No. 28 in free-throw percentage (77.3).
- Forcing the issue: The Cougars rank No. 6 opponent turnover percentage (21.5).
- Elite defense: UH ranks No. 6 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (92), which measures the number of points allowed per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent.
UH Weaknesses
- Shooting concerns: UH ranks No. 157 in 3-point percentage (34.4)
- The bench rests: Houston rank No. 273 in bench minutes percentage (28.1).
- Few free throws: The Cougars ranks No. 352 in free-throw rate (26.9)
UH Name to Know
6-foot-4 freshman guard Kingston Flemings (No. 4)
+ Good scorer (16.5 points per game)
+ Solid rebounder (3.9 per game)
+ Pest on defense (1.6 steal per game)
+ Good shooter (38.5% on 3-pointers)
+ Quality passer (5.3 assists per game)
- Turnover prone (1.9 per game)
Kansas-UH game prediction
Another tough matchup for the Jayhawks, but they can beat UH if three things happen tonight:
- KU plays excellent defense while keeping Houston from crashing the glass and converting second-chance opportunities.
- Peterson has an efficient game.
- The Jayhawks limit their own turnovers
Kansas is capable of doing all three of these things, but i’m not sure the Jayhawks can do so away from Allen Fieldhouse. I think UH wins a close one this time.
Prediction: Houston 74, KU 71
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (+5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 25-7
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 21-10
Player to Watch: Darryn Peterson
Peterson didn’t have the most efficient night on Thursday vs. TCU, but he still dropped 24 points on the Horned Frogs.
He shot 5-for-17 from the field but did a great job of getting to the free-throw line, where he shot 13-of-16. If Peterson gives KU an efficient 20-plus points against an elite Houston defense, chances of winning on Friday increase.
