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BYU (17-3) vs Kansas (15-5)
- When: Jan 31 2026, 4:30 PM
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(13) BYU vs (14) Kansas Preview & Prediction
Spread: Kansas -4.5
Moneyline: Kansas (-195)
Total: 159.5
BYU Cougars
BYU arrives in Lawrence armed with confidence, firepower, and a freshman who seems to believe shot clocks are merely suggestions. AJ Dybantsa has been ridiculous in his first season of college basketball, averaging 23.6 points per game while doing a little bit of everything else just to stay busy. He grabs 6.7 rebounds, dishes out assists like a generous dinner host, and lives at the free throw line with 172 attempts while hitting 76.2 percent.
If you are wondering whether BYU panics when trailing, the answer is no. They simply decide to score more. Against Arizona, the Cougars erased most of a 19 point deficit and nearly pulled off a miracle. Dybantsa scored 24 points in that game despite shooting 6 of 24, which somehow makes his stat line more impressive and more confusing at the same time.
BYU has dropped two of its last three games, but the effort level has never wavered. This team believes every game is winnable until the final horn, which is great for fans and terrifying for bettors trying to relax. Expect BYU to push pace, attack downhill, and dare Kansas to keep up for forty minutes.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas has quietly found its rhythm and looks far more dangerous than it did earlier in conference play. The Jayhawks have won four straight games and are starting to resemble the version Bill Self probably envisioned while staring angrily at practice film in December.
The biggest news is the expected return of Darryn Peterson, who leads Kansas with 21.6 points per game. He missed the Kansas State game with an ankle issue, and Kansas still won by 24, which says a lot about the depth when things are clicking. Flory Bidunga took advantage of that opportunity, posting 21 points and 10 rebounds and generally doing whatever he wanted near the basket.
Kansas defended, shared the ball, and actually looked organized late in possessions, which might be the most encouraging sign of all. When Kansas plays connected basketball at home, Allen Fieldhouse turns into a problem for visiting teams very quickly.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
This game has star power, pace, and points written all over it. BYU will score. That is unavoidable. The question is whether they can get enough stops to stay within one possession late. Kansas has the edge at home, the deeper rotation, and a defense that is finally showing some teeth.
Expect BYU to hang around early and even scare Kansas midway through the second half. Then expect Kansas to respond with a run fueled by defense, rebounding, and timely shot making.
The total is high, but both teams are comfortable playing fast, and neither wants to turn this into a grind.
Final Score: Kansas 84, BYU 78
Lean: Kansas -4.5
Total: Over 159.5
NBA scouts will be happy. Fans will be entertained. Bettors will be stressed. College basketball will win again.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
