Kansas Jayhawks vs Houston Cougars Picks and Prediction for Friday March 13 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/13/2026, 02:50 AM ET

The Kansas Jayhawks face the Houston Cougars in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament Semifinal on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN. Houston enters the matchup as a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 134.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily predictions and betting insights.

Kansas Survives Quarterfinal Battle to Reach Semifinal

Kansas enters the Big 12 Tournament Semifinal with a 23-9 overall record and a 12-6 mark in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks advanced in the tournament after recently winning over TCU 78-73 in the quarterfinal round. Over their last five games, Kansas has recently won over TCU, Kansas State, and Houston while recently losing to Arizona State and Arizona.

On the season, Kansas averages 76.5 points per game while allowing 69.4 points per contest. The Jayhawks shoot 46% from the field and average 38.8 rebounds with 14.7 assists per game. Defensively, Kansas contributes 5.9 blocks and 5.5 steals per game while relying heavily on interior defense and rebounding to control the pace of games.

In the quarterfinal win over TCU, Darryn Peterson led the Jayhawks with 24 points while Flory Bidunga led the team with 10 rebounds. Kansas shot just 38% from the field but made up for it at the free throw line, hitting 30-of-37 attempts. The Jayhawks also controlled the glass with a 41-40 rebounding edge, and their ability to get to the free throw line could again be a key factor in this semifinal matchup.

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Houston Brings Elite Defense into Semifinal Clash

Houston enters the Big 12 Tournament Semifinal with a 27-5 overall record and a 14-4 record in Big 12 play. The Cougars advanced after recently winning over BYU 73-66 in the quarterfinal round. Over their last five games, Houston has recently won over BYU, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Colorado while recently losing to Kansas.

On the season, Houston averages 77.6 points per game while allowing just 62.8 points per contest. The Cougars shoot 45% from the field and average 36.5 rebounds with 15.0 assists per game. Defensively, Houston creates pressure with 7.8 steals per contest and consistently limits opponents with disciplined half-court defense.

In the quarterfinal victory over BYU, Kingston Flemings led Houston with 17 points while Joseph Tugler led the team with eight rebounds. Houston shot 45% from the field and forced 18 BYU turnovers while winning the rebounding battle 37-30. Their defensive intensity and ability to generate extra possessions remain a defining strength heading into this matchup.

Kansas vs Houston Pick

Kansas vs Houston Spread Pick

Pick: Houston -5.5

Houston has been one of the most consistent defensive teams in the country this season, allowing just 62.8 points per game while forcing turnovers and controlling the pace. The Cougars also enter this matchup with momentum after a strong defensive performance against BYU. While Kansas has the talent to compete, Houston’s defensive pressure and balanced offense give them the edge to cover the spread.

Kansas vs Houston Total Pick

Pick: Under 134.5

I like the under in this matchup because Houston plays at a slower pace and relies heavily on defense to control games. The Cougars allow just 62.8 points per contest and consistently force opponents into tough shots. Kansas also struggled with shooting efficiency in its quarterfinal game, and with both teams capable defensively, this game projects to be a lower-scoring semifinal.

Final Score Prediction: Houston 69, Kansas 63

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