Naessens’ prediction: Defense wins out on Monday.
Feb 23, 2026 • 17:47 ET
• 4 min read
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) dribbles against the Kansas State Wildcats.
We’ve got an outstanding Big 12 clash tonight when No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks host the No. 2 Houston Cougars.
Both groups live and die by their defense, and my Houston vs. Kansas predictions expect a good old-fashioned rock-fight at Allen Fieldhouse.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Monday, February 23.
Houston vs Kansas prediction
Houston vs Kansas best bet: Under 138.5 (-110)
The Houston Cougars play at one of the slowest tempos in the country, making their money on half-court defense and offensive rebounding, instead of potent scoring.
The Kansas Jayhawks have struggled on the glass and just got outworked inside by Cincinnati. They are a Top-15 KenPom defense, and they face a Cougars squad boasting a mediocre 52.5% effective field goal percentage.
Both groups have solid assist-to-turnover rates, so we shouldn’t see a ton of easy transition buckets. Two defense-first identities will lead to a low-scoring clash.
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Houston vs Kansas same-game parlay
Flory Bidunga is the Jayhawks’ top rebounder. He’s grabbed 10+ boards in five straight and should see volume on the glass against Houston’s pedestrian eFG%.
Bidunga’s rebounding prowess aside, Houston makes its living on the offensive glass and forcing turnovers. It should get enough of both to sneak past Kansas for the fourth consecutive time.
Houston vs Kansas SGP
- Under 138.5
- Flory Bidunga Over 9.5 rebounds
- Houston moneyline
Our beyond the arc SGP: Flemings forces the issue
Kansas struggles on the glass. Kingston Flemings is a sneaky rebounder and has snagged at least five rebounds in four of his last five games.
Houston vs Kansas SGP
- Under 138.5
- Flory Bidunga Over 9.5 rebounds
- Houston moneyline
- Kingston Flemings Over 4.5 rebounds
Houston vs Kansas odds
- Spread: Houston -2.5 (-110) | Kansas +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Houston -150 | Kansas +125
- Over/Under: Over 138 (-110) | Under 138 (-110)
Houston vs Kansas betting trend to know
Houston has hit the Game Total Under in 11 of their last 15 games (+6.60 Units / 40% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Houston vs. Kansas.
How to watch Houston vs Kansas
Location
Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
Date
Monday, February 23, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Houston vs Kansas key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu, Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the Crush and Rush Tennis Podcast.
Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications, including Advance Local, SB Nation, FanSided, and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports.
His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe, and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.
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