#14 Kansas vs. #2 Arizona Picks and Predictions: Big 12 Hoops
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Fri Feb 27, 2026, 11:23 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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Arizona is going through the gauntlet that is the Big 12. They just had to play four ranked teams in consecutive games, losing to Kansas and Texas Tech, but beating BYU and Houston. This team is coming off a cupcake win over Baylor on the road, but it wasn't as easy as it should of been, and now they have back to back top 15 games in three days time. They host the Kansas Jayhawks this Saturday, with the Iowa State Cyclones coming to town for Big Monday. Will Tommy Lloyd's team stay focused and get their revenge against Bill Self's squad? Let's dive into our favorite picks in this matchup and find out what's going down in the desert this weekend.
Best Bet: Kansas Team Total Over 69.5 (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
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#14 Kansas Jayhawks vs. #2 Arizona Wildcats NCAA Basketball Insights
Arizona looks to avoid the season sweep of the Jayhawks at home this Saturday
Both teams are fighting for seeding, not only in the Big 12 tournament, but also in March Madness. Arizona has a two game lead in the conference, while Kansas is fighting for a four seed or better in order to earn a double bye in the tournament in Kansas City. Plus, the Wildcats are still fighting for an overall one seed in March Madness, while the Jayhawks are pushing to be included as a two seed. This game matters for both teams.
After losing two in a row, the Wildcats have now won three straight, but things don't get easier. Kansas is coming off a big win over Houston and do have an extra day of rest compared to their hosts. That might come into play as I expect both teams to run up and down the court with plenty of zip, producing extra possessions for both sides.
Matchup Information – Kansas vs. Arizona – February 28
- Venue & Location: McKale Memorial Center (Tucson, AZ)
- Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Kick Off: 4:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: ESPN
Kansas vs. Arizona Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of Lucky Rebel, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of February 27, 2026 at 10:52 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with and get a $1,250 deposit bonus, as well as 50 slot spins immediately. Lucky Rebel Sportsbook offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.
Spread
- Kansas +8.5 (-110)
- Arizona -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Kansas +310
- Arizona -400
Total
- Over 146.5 (-110)
- Under 146.5 (-110)
#14 Kansas vs. #2 Arizona NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions
Tre White and the Jayhawks head to the desert to face the Arizona Wildcats
Kansas vs. Arizona Prediction: Arizona Wins, Kansas Covers, Over 146.5
Best Bet: Kansas Team Total Over 69.5 (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I have not booked this yet, as at the time of this writing this market was not available. However, I estimate this line to be about 69.5, and would happily play it up to 71.5 if that's where it originates. We should see plenty of possessions, and I don't see Kansas turning this into a defensive game on the road. While I've been impressed with the Wildcats' defense, they just allowed 80 points to Baylor, albeit on the road, but the Jayhawks have a much more potent offense than the Bears.
Plus, Arizona will have to turn around and face a top four team as the Cyclones come to town for Big Monday. It's tough to stay focused with a matchup like that looming on the horizon. The Wildcats are one of the fastest teams in the nation, especially at home where they average over 72 possessions per game. They allowed 82 to the Jayhawks (without Darryn Peterson) on 74 possessions at Allen Fieldhouse, and although I don't expect the Jayhawks to shoot as well as they did, they get to the line plenty and should be willing to run with their hosts.
Bill Self and the team have nothing pressing on their schedule. This is the last game that really means something to them, especially in terms of helping their resume, so I would imagine he brings out all the tricks up his sleeve in order to put as many points on the board as possible.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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