BYU Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks NCAAB Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/31

The BYU Cougars, ranked 13th, will travel to Lawrence, Kansas, to take on the 14th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This Big 12 conference game will be held at Allen Fieldhouse and is set to tip-off at 4:30 PM ET. Fans can catch the action on ESPN.

Kansas is favored by 4.5 points in this matchup. The Jayhawks hold a record of 15-5 with an 8-2 mark at home. Meanwhile, the Cougars have an impressive 17-3 record, including a 4-1 record on the road. The over/under for this game is set at 159.5 points.

BYU Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks Game Day Info

  • Sport: College Basketball
  • Teams: BYU Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks
  • Venue: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence KS
  • Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET
  • Betting Odds: Kansas Jayhawks -4.5 (-109), BYU Cougars +4.5 (-115)

BYU Cougars Team Preview

The BYU Cougars have shown strong performances this season. They hold a 17-3 record and are ranked #13 in the AP Poll. The Cougars have done well on the road with a 4-1 away record, showing their ability to compete outside their home court.

Offensively, the Cougars score 86.7 points per game, placing them 23rd in the nation. Their field goal percentage is 48.6, ranking 38th, while they grab 40.1 rebounds per game, which is 44th overall. AJ Dybantsa leads the team in scoring with an average of 23.6 points per game.

Betting trends indicate that BYU has struggled against the spread recently. They are 0-3 ATS in their last three games and 9-11 overall. However, they have been perfect straight up as favorites this season with a 16-0 record, showing their strength when expected to win.

Kansas Jayhawks Team Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks have a strong record this season, sitting at 15-5. They have performed well both at home and on the road, with an 8-2 record at home. Ranked #14 in the AP poll, they are a competitive team in the Big 12 conference.

Offensively, the Jayhawks score 78.2 points per game and have a field goal percentage of 47.4%. They are effective in rebounding, averaging 39.5 per game, which ranks them 56th. Their free throw shooting is also reliable at 76.5%.

Key players include Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga, who contribute significantly to the team’s success. Bidunga averages 14.4 points and 9 rebounds per game, while Council Jr. adds 13.7 points and 4.6 rebounds. The team looks to continue their strong performance in upcoming games.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread pick, take BYU at +4.5. BYU scores 86.7 points per game, which is higher than Kansas’s 78.2. Kansas is favored, but BYU’s higher scoring average suggests they can keep it close. The projected score might lean towards a Kansas win, but BYU should cover the spread.

For the over/under pick, take the under 159.5. BYU and Kansas combine for an average of 164.9 points per game. However, Kansas has a slower pace with 66.6 possessions per game. This slower pace can keep the total under 159.5 points.