Score prediction for KU basketball vs. Cincinnati Bearcats, plus betting odds

The No. 3-ranked University of Kansas men’s basketball team will host Cincinnati on Monday at Allen Fieldhouse.

The Jayhawks (15-3, 3-2 Big 12) lost to WVU on Saturday. Meanwhile, UC lost to Oklahoma.

Kansas has a 3-4 record against the Bearcats all-time.

Below is a scouting report and prediction of the game.

Kansas basketball vs. Cincinnati

When/where: 8 p.m., Allen Fieldhouse (Lawrence)

TV/Streaming: ESPN

Opponent’s record: 13-5, 2-3 Big 12

KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) Ranking: 33

Betting line: Kansas is a 7.5-point favorite

All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.

UC Team Strengths

• Elite defense: The Bearcats rank No. 22 in adjusted defensive efficiency (96.4). Adjusted defensive efficiency is the amount of points given up per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent. By comparison, Kansas ranks No. 26 in the same category.

• Offensive glass savants: UC ranks No. 18 in offensive rebounding percentage (36.9).

• Trust in bench: Cincinnati coach Wes Miller likes to go deep in his rotation, with his team ranking No. 65 in bench minutes percentage (36.5).

UC Team Weaknesses

• FT struggles: The Bearcats are abysmal at the free throw line, shooting 66.9%. That ranks No. 309 in the nation.

• Don’t attempt many 3-pointers: UC ranks No. 248 in 3-point rate (34.8). Kansas is even worse, ranking No. 323.

• Little continuity: Cincinnati didn’t bring back many familiar faces, with the team ranking No. 268 in minutes continuity percentage (27.3%).

UC Name to Know

Viktor Lakhin (No. 30): 6-foot-11 redshirt junior forward

+ Leading scorer (13 ppg)

+ Quality rebounder (7.5 rebounds per game)

+ Swat machine (1.2 blocks per game)

- Struggles to shoot (shooting 31.8% from 3-point range)

- Free throw line struggles (53.1% shooting at the line)

Tale of the Tape

Although the Bearcats don’t shoot a lot of 3-pointers, UC’s John Newman III isn’t afraid to shoot from deep. Currently, he’s shooting 37.5% 3-point land.

On this play, an OU defender fell asleep and Newman smartly relocated to get himself open. He then drained the shot before the OU defender recovered.

The Jayhawks will need to keep an eye out for Newman, who is excellent at relocating without the ball. UC also does an excellent job of creating open shots with screens, so Kansas must communicate and call out screeners.

Game Prediction

The Jayhawks will surely be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss at West Virginia.

It’ll undoubtedly be a challenge for Kansas. Cincinnati poses problems for KU on the boards, and the Bearcats have an elite defense.

The key for the Jayhawks will be to limit turnovers and win the rebounding battle. Rebounds cost the Jayhawks late at WVU.

Ultimately, I think Kansas will prevail, but it’ll be close.

Kansas 73, Cincinnati 67

Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Cincinnati (+7.5)

Shreyas’ season record: 12-4

Shreyas’ record against the spread: 9-7

KU Player to Watch: Nick Timberlake

Timberlake put together a spectacular first half against WVU, scoring 12 points. Although his second half wasn’t as stellar, it was one of Timberlake’s best games since joining Kansas.

That comes a game after his highlight slam against Oklahoma State.

Let’s see if he can keep his positive momentum against the Bearcats.