Kansas vs Houston Prediction 2/23/26 College Basketball Picks Today

Houston (23-4) vs. Kansas (20-7)
February 23, 2026 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Kansas +1.5; Over/Under: 137.5
(Get latest betting odds)

In this article we will formulate a Kansas vs. Houston prediction for this college basketball game on Monday, February 23rd, at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks are 20-7 (10-4) this season after they lost to Cincinnati by a score of 84-68 in their last game. Kansas trailed 36-34 at halftime, and they allowed 48 points in the second half in the upset loss. The Jayhawks shot 44% from the field, 22% on three-pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Flory Bidunga led Kansas with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Darryn Peterson added 17 points and four rebounds in the loss.

Prior to that game, Kansas defeated Oklahoma State by a score of 81-69 but lost to Iowa State by a score of 74-56 before that. The Jayhawks have scored 76.9 points per game with 38.5 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.6 points against per game this season. Darryn Peterson is averaging 19.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Flory Bidunga is averaging 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game for the Jayhawks. Kansas is shooting 47.0% from the field, 76.6% on free throws, and 35.4% on three-pointers this season.

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

The Houston Cougars are 23-4 (11-3) this year after they lost to Arizona by a score of 73-66 in their last game. Houston trailed 36-31 at halftime, and they were outscored 37-35 in the second half in the loss. The Cougars shot 36% from the field, 31% on three-pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. Kingston Flemings led Houston with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Emanuel Sharp added 14 points and three rebounds in the loss.

Prior to that game, Houston lost to Iowa State by a score of 70-67 but did beat Kansas State by a score of 78-64 before that. The Cougars have scored 77.4 points per game with 37.0 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.0 points against per game this season. Kingston Flemings is averaging 16.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 16.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Houston is shooting 44.9% from the field, 77.1% on free throws, and 34.0% on three-pointers this year.

Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win

Kansas has won each of its last 11 night games.
Houston has lost four of its last five games as a top-3 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
Kansas has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 night games at Allen Fieldhouse.

Why the Houston Cougars will win

Houston has won 19 of its last 20 night games against conference opponents.
Kansas has lost four of its last five games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a top-3 AP-ranked team.
Kansas has lost the first half in each of its last nine night games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a top-3 AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

Nine of Kansas’ last 10 games against conference opponents at Allen Fieldhouse have produced a total of 142+ points.
Seven of Houston’s last eight night games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

Kansas ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (65.3%).
Kansas ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.0).
Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.3).
Houston ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (20.7).