Prediction for KU basketball vs. OU, plus betting odds for this Top 10 Big 12 game

The No. 3-ranked University of Kansas men’s basketball team will play host to No. 9 Oklahoma at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday.

The Jayhawks (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) lost to UCF on Wednesday. Meanwhile, OU lost to TCU.

Kansas has a 155-69 all-time record against the Sooners.

Here’s a scouting report and prediction for the game:

No. 3 Kansas vs. No. 9 Oklahoma

When/where: 1 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse

TV/streaming: ESPN+

Opponent’s record: 13-2

KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 20

Betting line: Kansas is an 7.5-point favorite.

All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.

OU Team Strengths

• Elite defense: Oklahoma ranks No. 15 (94.4) in adjusted defensive efficiency, the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions. Kansas ranks No. 12.

• Quality shots: OU ranks No. 17 in effective field goal percentage (56.4).

• Inside the arc creators: The Sooners are excellent at scoring inside the arc, ranking No. 10 in the nation in 2-point percentage (58.7%).

OU Team Weaknesses

• Seldom-used bench: OU coach Porter Moser doesn’t use his bench much, ranking No. 195 in bench minutes percentage (31%).

• Weak schedule: The Knights haven’t played many tough opponents, with a strength of schedule that ranks just No. 245. KU’s SOS ranks No. 32.

• Turnover issues: OU struggles to take care of the ball, ranking No. 240 in turnover percentage (18.6)

OU Name to Know

6–foot-7 junior forward Jalon Moore (No. 14)

+ Leading scorer (9.3 ppg)

+ Quality rebounder (5.3 rebounds per game)

+ Makes foul shots (shooting 82.4% at the line)

- Sharpshooter (shooting 43.5% from 3-point range)

- Not much of a passer (.6 APG)

- Averaging 1.8 turnovers per game in the last five games

Tale of the Tape

OU loves to get quick points, with the Sooners’ average possession lasting just 16.5 seconds. So it’s no wonder they’re deadly in the fast break. In the clip above, OU players get ahead of the pack to convert an alley-oop against TCU.

For the Jayhawks, it’ll be prudent to limit turnovers. If Kansas does turn the ball over, keep track of OU players who love going to the rim on fast breaks.

Game Prediction

This game should be interesting.

The Jayhawks’ defense has been elite this season, but OU will challenge them. KU will need to limit Oklahoma’s quality shots inside the arc.

The key for KU will be to limit turnovers and not rush shots against an excellent OU defense. The Jayhawks will play right into the Sooners’ hands if they don’t play with composure — something KU lacked against UCF.

On the offensive end, KU needs to hit some 3-pointers. It’ll space out the floor and open up opportunities inside the arc for the Jayhawks.

I think KU pulls out a close one.

Kansas 74, OU 68

Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Oklahoma (+7.5)

Shreyas’ season record: 10-3

Shreyas’ record against the spread: 8-5

KU Player to watch: Johnny Furphy

The Australian sensation gets the start over Elmarko Jackson in this one. He’s steadily improved over the last few games; he scored nine points off the bench in KU’s last game.

Furphy needs to come in with confidence and help space the floor for a KU team that desperately needs more/better 3-point shooting.