The Kansas Jayhawks take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in Cincinnati, OH. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Cincinnati is favored by 1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -125. The total is set at 136.5 points.
Here are my Kansas vs. Cincinnati predictions and college basketball picks for January 11, 2025.
Kansas vs Cincinnati Prediction
My Pick: Cincinnati -1.5 (Play to -3)
My Kansas vs Cincinnati best bet is on the Bearcats spread, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Kansas vs Cincinnati Odds
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 136.5 -110 / -110 | +105 |
| Cincinnati Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 136.5 -110 / -110 | -125 |
- Kansas vs Cincinnati spread: Cincinnati -1.5
- Kansas vs Cincinnati over/under: 136.5 points
- Kansas vs Cincinnati moneyline: Cincinnati -125, Kansas +105
- Kansas vs Cincinnati best bet: Cincinnati -1.5 (Play to -3)
Spread
I'm targeting the Bearcats on the spread up to -3.
Moneyline
I'm avoiding the moneyline.
Over/Under
I have no play on the total.
My Pick: Cincinnati -1.5 (Play to -3)
Kansas vs Cincinnati College Basketball Betting Preview
This is a massive matchup for the Cincinnati Bearcats as they host the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday afternoon.
Kansas is coming off consecutive significant victories, and Cincinnati has dropped three straight games. This screams as a desperate spot for the Bearcats and a terrific opportunity to regain momentum in conference play at home against a high-caliber opponent.
We see by the metrics that Kansas is top-25 in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. More specifically, the Jayhawks are fourth in defensive efficiency, ranking in the top 10 in opposing field goal percentage.
I'm concerned about the Jayhawks because they don't get to the free throw line often, and the Bearcats usually don't foul their opponents.
I also think Kansas will struggle with their lack of depth, as the Cats are a much deeper basketball team.
I also haven't been overly impressed with the Kansas defense, as it doesn't generate a lot of turnovers. The Jayhawks are fourth in adjusted defensive efficiency, but they rank outside the top 250 in 3-point attempts allowed. I think opposing offenses have favorable shooting fortune coming their way in that area of the floor.
As for head coach Wes Miller’s team, I think the Bearcats' offense should be able to win the battle from outside the arc. Kansas doesn't shoot many 3s, so it's possible that the Cats can rely on the triple and lean heavily on their stingy defense.
Despite staggering as of late, the Cats are 11th in defensive efficiency. They do an excellent job of forcing turnovers, staying disciplined and they're outstanding on the perimeter.
Considering that the Jayhawks don't like to generate offense beyond the arc, I would be shocked to see them have an elite shooting display from deep.
The Cats’ offense isn't the strength of their team, but they have plenty of legitimate scorers to suffice; Jizzle James, Dan Skillings Jr. and Simas Lukosius are terrific scoring threats that can beat you in many ways.
I'm not discouraged by the recent play by the Cats, and I think this is a golden opportunity to slam them at home. It’s a peak definition of a buy-low, sell-high spot, and I expect the Cats to be the more desperate basketball team coming in.
Remember, this is a Kansas team that just got embarrassed by West Virginia at home last week; I wouldn’t go parading around after a couple of wins against UCF and Arizona State.
Who’s to say that the Cats aren’t as talented as the Jayhawks? There’s a reason KenPom and the market have them as the favorites at home.
