Kansas Jayhawks vs Houston Cougars Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/13/26

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The Kansas Jayhawks and Houston Cougars meet in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament, featuring 2 of the conference’s most physical and defensively disciplined programs. Kansas advanced after a 78-73 quarterfinal victory over the TCU Horned Frogs, powered by a standout performance from freshman Darryn Peterson, who scored 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and converted 13 of 16 free throws. The Jayhawks enter the semifinal with a 23-9 record, averaging 76.5 points per game while allowing 69.3. Kansas leans on its interior presence, led by Flory Bidunga, who averages 14.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while anchoring the paint on both ends of the floor. Earlier this season, Kansas proved it could slow Houston’s offense in a 69-56 victory, showing the type of half court defensive effort required to compete against the Cougars.

Houston enters the matchup at 27-5 with one of the most dominant defensive profiles in the nation, allowing just 62.7 points per game while averaging 77.6 offensively under head coach Kelvin Sampson. The Cougars reached the semifinal with a 73-66 win over the BYU Cougars, leaning on rebounding and second half defense to secure the result. Houston’s backcourt is led by Kingston Flemings and Emanuel Sharp, who average 16.6 and 16.4 points per game, giving the Cougars reliable perimeter scoring to complement their defensive identity. With both teams ranking among the stronger defensive groups in the Big 12 and tournament games often slowing in pace, this semifinal projects as a physical half court battle. If Houston continues forcing difficult possessions and Kansas emphasizes interior scoring rather than pushing tempo, sustained offensive runs could be difficult to find.

Kansas vs Houston prediction: Under 136.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 135.5.