Arizona vs. Kansas: College Basketball Picks & Predictions – Feb 9, 2026

Arizona Remains Undefeated, Faces Tough Test at Kansas

LAWRENCE, Kansas – The No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (23-0 10-0 Big 12) travel to Allen Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, to face the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks (18-5, 8-2) in a pivotal conference matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Arizona continued its perfect season with an emphatic 84-47 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday, covering a 19.5-point spread as the under (167.5) cashed. Brayden Burries led the Wildcats with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while the team held the Cowboys to just 24.6% shooting. This win extended Arizona’s historic start, surpassing Kansas’ 22-0 record from the 1996-97 season.

Kansas also secured a win on Saturday, defeating Utah 71-59 at Allen Fieldhouse. However, the Jayhawks failed to cover the 18.5-point spread, and the under (150.5) hit, largely due to a poor shooting performance from three-point range (3-for-18). Flory Bidunga powered the Jayhawks with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 blocks, supported by Trey White with 16 points and Darryn Peterson with 14.

Arizona won the last meeting between the two teams, defeating Kansas 88-77 on March 13, 2025, covering as a 3-point home favorite with the over (153) hitting.

Betting Lines

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Arizona is a 2.5-point favorite (-2.5, -110) over Kansas (+2.5, -110). Arizona’s moneyline is -150, meaning a $150 bet would win $100, while Kansas is +125, with a $100 bet winning $125. The over/under is set at 151 points.

Expert Predictions

Several analysts are weighing in on the matchup. Drew Phelps of Sportsbook Wire believes Arizona’s defensive efficiency, rebounding prowess, and offensive balance make them the side to back, even on the road. He highlights their ability to allow just 29.5% shooting from deep and their 57% shooting from two-point range, along with covering 7 of their last 10 games.

Ryan Minion of Action Network, while holding a futures bet on Arizona to win the national championship, suggests betting on Kansas on the moneyline. He acknowledges the challenge Arizona faces in a hostile environment at Allen Fieldhouse and notes that few teams complete an undefeated season, citing Kentucky in 2015 and Gonzaga in 2021 as recent exceptions. He believes Kansas has a strong chance to upset the Wildcats.

ESPN gives Arizona a 58.3% chance of winning the game, while Kansas has a 41.7% probability of victory.

Analysts also point to Kansas’ ability to control the pace and force opponents to execute in late-clock situations. The Jayhawks are strong on the glass and lead the Big 12 in blocked shots, potentially disrupting Arizona’s offensive rhythm. Darryn Peterson’s recent improved health is also seen as a positive for Kansas.

The game is expected to be close, with Arizona averaging 89.3 points per game and Kansas averaging a combined 167.1 points with their opponents, compared to the 151.5-point total set by BetMGM.