Kansas at Arizona Preview & Betting Tips

On Saturday, the Arizona Wildcats will host the Kansas Jayhawks in one of the most eagerly anticipated college basketball games this season. The Jayhawks showed strong bounce-back ability with a convincing 69-56 home win over No. 5 Houston on February 23, snapping a skid after a surprising 84-68 home loss to unranked Cincinnati on February 21.

That Cincinnati defeat was a notable upset at Allen Fieldhouse and dropped them in rankings/poll positions, hurting their Big 12 title hopes. KU has now gone three straight years without an outright or shared regular-season conference crown.

Prior KU wins included strong showings, such as an 82-78 victory over then-No. 1 Arizona earlier in February, highlighting their ability against top competition. The Houston win was particularly resume-boosting, with strong defense limiting the Cougars and handing them their third straight loss.

Arizona is ranked #2 in the nation. This marks a strong rebound after a brief dip following back-to-back losses earlier in February (ending a 23-0 start), but they've won their last three games convincingly. Wins over Houston and Baylor have solidified their resume.

Arizona has secured multiple quality wins against top competition, including three against AP top-three teams this season (a rare feat). The team has shown resilience, athleticism, pace, and interior strength.

Now comes a massive home revenge showdown vs. No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks at McKale Center in a "Stripe Out" game. This could clinch at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season title with a win for Arizona.

Kansas at Arizona Preview

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Arizona Wildcats will host the Kansas Jayhawks at McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, AZ. Tipoff time is 4 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Public Betting Odds Factors

Arizona is a massive favorite against the NCAA basketball spread due to its elite record and home-court edge.

Arizona has strong recent form (wins over Houston and Baylor on the road) and depth.

Kansas gets respect for the earlier upset but has shown vulnerability (e.g., home loss to Cincinnati).

Sharps often back home favorites in ranked matchups like this.

The spread feels steep to some gamblers (expect double digits).

Kansas at Arizona Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider

This shapes up as Arizona's game to lose—expect them to control tempo, rebound fiercely, and pull away late.

Arizona's form and home dominance make covering plausible if they avoid early foul trouble or a cold shooting spell.
Arizona is undefeated at home this season in Big 12 play and excels in high-stakes games.

Kansas has been an underdog in several spots, but struggles against top defenses on the road.

The earlier game went OVER (160 combined points), but totals trend lower in rematches and big-conference tilts.

Kansas at Arizona Prime Best Bet: Arizona Wildcats and Under the Total

Kansas at Arizona Betting Tips

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas has national rankings of 190^th in scoring offense, 80th in field goal percentage, 104th in 3-point field goal percentage, 33rd in free throw percentage, and 53rd in offensive rebounding.

The Jayhawks rank 41^st for scoring defense, 6^th for field goal percentage permitted, 19^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 247^th for defensive rebounding.

The Kansas Jayhawks are 21-7 straight up, 18-10 against the spread, and 9-19 over/under the total.

Kansas has covered seven out of its last ten games.

The Jayhawks have gone under the total in five of their previous seven matchups.

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona has national rankings of 5^th in scoring offense, 12th in field goal percentage, 108th in 3-point field goal percentage, 178th in free throw percentage, and 2nd in offensive rebounding.

The Wildcats rank 81^st for scoring defense, 7^th for field goal percentage permitted, 59^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 38^th for defensive rebounding.