#12 Kentucky Wildcats at #5 Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Pick
Our Kentucky vs Kansas prediction for Saturday, January 29, 2022, is part of today’s Big 12 vs SEC Challenge. For this huge matchup, we’re offering our take on the point spread and over/under. In this Top-25 matchup, Kansas is favored at -5.0 (-102), while the Wildcats are +5.5 (-117). The total is 153.0 with the over at -104 and the under at -117.
The Wildcats and Jayhawks will tip off at 6:00 p.m. ET at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. You can find the game on ESPN.
Kentucky vs Kansas - Keys to the Game
The #12 Kentucky Wildcats (16-4 Overall, 2-3 SEC) are second in the SEC. They’ve won four of their last five games. The Wildcats last played on January 25, beating Mississippi State 94-91 in OT.
In the Big 12, the #5 Kansas Jayhawks (17-2 Overall, 6-1 Big 12) are first in the conference. They’re one-half game ahead of second-place Baylor. On January 24, the last time they played, Kansas beat the #13 Texas Tech Red Raiders 94-91 in OT. The Jayhawks last lost on January 8 when the Red Raiders took them down 75-67. The Jayhawks come to this game having won their last five contests.
Wildcats - Stats and Players
Our Kentucky vs Kansas prediction notes that the Wildcats are averaging 82.3 PPG. They are allowing opponents 64.3 PPG. The Cats shooting percentages come in at 49.1/34.9/73.32. Other Kentucky stats include 41.7 RPG, 16.9 APG, 4.9 BPG, and 7.0 SPG.
It is likely that for this game Kentucky will be without 50 percent shooter TyTy Washington Jr. For the Cats, the guard is second in points (13.6 PG) and assists (4.4 PG). In the backcourt, point guard Sahvir Wheeler is recording 6.9 APG as well as 11.1 PPG. Also in back, Kellan Grady is averaging 12.1 PPG while shooting 43.2 percent from beyond the arc. Look for guard Davion Mintz (8.6 PPG) to play important minutes. Much of the offense and defense for the Cats can be found in the person of 6’9” forward Oscar Tshiebwe. Tshiebwe is averaging 16.3 PPG and 15.2 RPG while shooting 61.5 percent.
Jayhawks - Stats and Players
Kansas is averaging 81.5 PPG and allowing 67.9 PPG. In shooting, the Jayhawks are averaging 49.3/36.6/70.9. Additional team stats include 37.3 RPG, 16.4 APG, 4.3 BPG, and 6.7 SPG.
Guard Ochai Agbaji is a premium performer. Agbaji comes to this game averaging 21.3 PPG and 5.0 RPG. He’s completing 52.7 percent of his twos and 47.0 percent of his threes. Point guard Christian Braun, a 51.7 percent field-goal shooter, is averaging 15.3 PPG, 3.4 APG, and 5.9 RPG. Also at guard, Remy Martin is a solid performer. He’s hitting for 8.4 PPG.
Three fine shooters, David McCormack, Jalen Wilson, and Mitch Lightfoot occupy the paint. The trio is combining for 21 PPG and 18.7 RPG. McCormack, leads the unit with 9.0 PPG and 6.7 RPG.
Final Word NCAAM- Kentucky vs Kansas Prediction
In our Kentucky vs Kansas prediction, the big question is which player will dominate, Kentucky’s Tshiebwe or Duke’s Agbaji? We’re going with Agbaji, as he’s a team player who makes everyone better. Thus, we’re taking Kansas at -5.0 (-102). Take under 153.0 (-104), as we look for a 78-70 win
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Summary - #9 Duke Blue Devils vs Louisville Cardinals Pick - Jan 29 2022
Spread Pick - Kansas Wildcats -5.0 (-102)
Over/Under - Under 153.0 (-104)
