TCU vs Kansas Odds
| TCU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -115 | 152.5 -110o / -110u | +340 |
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -105 | 152.5 -110o / -110u | -450 |
When TCU and Kansas meet on Saturday, it'll be a huge opportunity for both programs to start Big 12 play off on the right foot.
Kansas (12-1) enters this game with its only loss coming at the hands of Marquette in the Maui Invitational. The Jayhawks are loaded with star power, and some of their role players are gaining steam week-by-week.
TCU owns an 11-2 record, and Jamie Dixon has, once again, proven that he'll field a competitive basketball team, even if the Frogs weren't picked at the top of the Big 12. Despite the great record, none of TCU's wins have come against top-100 opponents. Also, its best win to date is a 14-point road victory over Hawaii.
It's always easier said than done to go on the road and compete with Kansas for 40 minutes in Allen Fieldhouse, but TCU will believe it can give Kansas a close game.
TCU Horned Frogs
TCU has balance on both sides of the ball. The Frogs rank in the top 50 in Offensive and Defensive Efficiency. They play extremely fast (32nd in tempo), but their own offensive possessions are even faster (fourth in quickest average possession length on offense).
The Horned Frogs don't shoot many 3s, which is a welcome sign for a Kansas team that can be low on shooters sometimes. Only 28% of TCU's shot attempts come from outside, as it's much better at finishing in the paint, where it collectively makes 57% of its shots as a team.
The biggest remaining question with TCU is: Can it hold up against good teams?
It's a fair question, as the Frogs were beaten handily by Clemson and Nevada in their only two games against top-100 opponents. They don't hold a win over a team that will surely make the NCAA tournament.
Kansas Jayhawks
Enter Kansas, which, despite winning 12 of its first 13 games, has somehow fallen to 15th nationally on KenPom. The Jayhawks are ranked second in the AP Poll, but the analytics aren't buying them as a team of that caliber just yet.
Kansas has great point guard play, led by Dajuan Harris Jr. The team ranks first nationally in assist rate.
Kevin McCullar Jr. has become a fantastic secondary playmaker on the wing, and Hunter Dickinson is a great passer for a center. The Jayhawks have multiple ways to beat you offensively, and it seems like any one of those three can be "the guy" if needed.
But Kansas' strength is still its defense. The Jayhawks rank fifth in the sport in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
Kansas is undefeated at home this season, with wins over UConn and Missouri being the highlight moments.
TCU vs. Kansas
Betting Pick & Prediction
On the road, it's simply too hard to trust this TCU team until we see it have more success against quality opponents.
Kansas should have its way with the Horned Frogs here.
Pick: Kansas -8.5
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