Kansas vs Texas Tech Basketball Prediction & Picks: Will the Jayhawks survive in Lubbock?

Almost a year ago, Kevin McCullar Jr. was a spectator as his shorthanded Texas Tech team upset Kansas in Lubbock. Tonight, McCullar will be on the other side as he and the Jayhawks (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) take on the Red Raiders (10-3, 0-1 Big 12) at United Supermarkets Arena (9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm local time, ESPN2).

Both teams got conference play underway this past Saturday, with the Jayhawks edging Oklahoma State by two at home, thanks to KJ Adams Jr.’s late game-winning basket and the Red Raiders losing a 13-point lead and the game at TCU.

Can they regroup tonight at home? Or will the reigning national champions pick up their seventh straight win? Read on for our Kansas vs Texas Tech basketball prediction, as well as our picks and analysis for this matchup.

Kansas vs Texas Tech Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 5:05 pm ET. This article may also include odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites.

Spread

• Kansas -1.5 (-110)
• Texas Tech +1.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 141.5 (-106)
• Under 141.5 (-114)

Moneyline

• Kansas -126
• Texas Tech +105

Will Texas Tech Return to Form Offensively Against Kansas?

In Saturday’s loss at TCU, Texas Tech scored a season-low 61 points, which was just the third time this season that the Red Raiders were held below 70 points.

The other previous instances came against Louisiana Tech in a 64-55 win on November 14 and the game that followed, a 76-65 loss to Creighton at the Maui Invitational on November 21.

For the season, the Red Raiders are shooting 50.4% from the field, 36.7% from three, and 71.0% from the free-throw line.

But against the Horned Frogs, they shot 42.3% (22 of 52) from the field, 34.8% (8 of 23) from three, and just 50% (9 of 18) from the free-throw line.

All five of Texas Tech’s starters currently average 10+ points per game, but only two scored in double figures at TCU, and only one of the two had a decent game, as freshman Pop Isaacs made five threes and finished with 17 points.

They can’t afford to have the same offensive issues against Kansas, in addition to putting forth a strong effort against Jalen Wilson (21.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG), Gradey Dick (14.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG), and McCullar (11.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG).

Kansas vs Texas Tech Prediction and Picks

Kansas vs Texas Tech Prediction:

Kansas vs Texas Tech Pick: Kansas ML (Best Value: BetMGM)

United Supermarkets Arena is a tough, tough place to play. Just ask Bill Self, who lost there in two of the previous four seasons and escaped by four and one in the other two visits.

But as much as I love a good upset and how home advantage has played out early on in Big 12 play, I’m actually backing the Jayhawks to take the win tonight in Lubbock.

Kansas has already shown its mettle in several close games this season, and their results generate a lot of confidence in how they will fare tonight in a hostile environment.