Kansas vs Cincinnati Picks and Prediction – 1/11/2025

The Kansas Jayhawks are set to face the Cincinnati Bearcats on January 11, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.

Kansas enters this matchup with an 11-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks are coming off a convincing 74-55 victory over Arizona State, showcasing their defensive prowess by holding the Sun Devils to 35.8% shooting from the field and forcing multiple turnovers. Guard Zeke Mayo led the offensive effort in that game, contributing 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with five rebounds. This season, Mayo has been a consistent performer, averaging 14.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, making him a key player to watch in this upcoming contest. 

On the other side, Cincinnati holds a 10-4 overall record but has struggled in conference play, standing at 0-3 in the Big 12. The Bearcats are looking to rebound from a 68-48 loss to Baylor, where they had their worst offensive performance of the season, shooting just 34.7% from the field and committing 15 turnovers. Forward Dan Skillings Jr. was a bright spot in that game, leading the team with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting. Skillings Jr. has been a pivotal player for Cincinnati, averaging 13.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, providing a significant presence in the paint and on the boards. 

This game is expected to be a competitive matchup, with Cincinnati currently favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under set at 137.5 points. The Bearcats have been strong defensively, allowing just 61 points per game, which ranks them among the top defenses nationally. This will be the key to a hard fought victory at home. Prediction: Bearcats win 76-73.