Two of the top five teams in the country will see where they stand early in the season in the December 1st Connecticut at Kansas betting matchup. The #4 Huskies (7-0) are the defending National Champions, but face their biggest test so far on the road at what should be a very rowdy Phog Allen Fieldhouse.
The #5 Jayhawks (6-1) have a loss on their resume already, but they’ve also run an absolute gauntlet through 7 games playing the seventh hardest schedule in the country through the first month of the season. KU draws a -3.5 favorite tag at home on Friday night, and public betting is split nearly 50/50.
Why Connecticut Has Value at +3.5
This game between top 5 teams could easily come down to the last possession – in fact that’s almost expected – so taking the points might be the default way to go.
UConn hasn’t played the type of schedule that Kansas has so far this season, but they’ve still been dominant in winning each of their seven games by double digits. The Huskies have seen a point spread of -26 or higher in five of their victories, but they also have a couple top notch victories over Indiana (77-57) and #15 Texas (81-71).
The Jayhawks always recruit well, but they’re relying on two main players so far in 2023. On the flip side – and this could be because of some blowout wins and garbage time as well – but the Huskies have five players averaging over 14 ppg through their first seven games. That’s the type of depth that could be invaluable in a hostile environment in Lawrence.
Why Kansas Has Value at -3.5
The Jayhawks are one of the most battle tested teams in the nation so a matchup with the #4 team in the country doesn’t really intimidate them – especially playing at home. So far in 2023, KU has matched up with #17 Kentucky (89-84 W), #4 Marquette (73-59 L), and #7 Tennessee (69-60 W).
The December 1st Connecticut at Kansas betting matchup will likely come down to a battle of the big men as 7’2, 260 pound Hunter Dickinson of KU squares off against 7’2, 280 pound Donovan Clingan of the Huskies. UConn’s man in the middle is a bit bulker, but Dickinson is putting up numbers like a POY candidate with 21.7 ppg and 12.7 rpg so far.
The Jayhawks only have two players scoring more than 11 ppg, but their second option behind Dickinson is playing pretty well. Kevin McCullar, Jr. is averaging 18.1 ppg and had 24 in the top 5 matchup vs. Marquette. The 5th year senior has experience and is built for games like Friday night’s title fight.
Free December 1st Connecticut at Kansas Betting Pick
Do you take the points in a clash of top five teams which should be close – or do you go home team. Usually these types of matchups are ones you’d see in early-season marquee tournaments and taking the +3.5 would be a no-brainer, but this game being at the Phog changes things a bit.
Clingan can be an irritant for Dickinson and this game will likely depend on which team gets the foul calls. You have to think that is Kansas playing at home – and their gauntlet of playing quality competition this season has them prepped to cover this number.
Free Pick: Kansas -3.5
