The top two NBA prospects face off Saturday as Darryn Peterson and the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks host A.J. Dybantsa and the No. 13 BYU Cougars.
Considering the Cougars have struggled in the first half against Arizona, UConn, and TCU, my BYU vs. Kansas predictions expect the home side to get off to a strong start.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this Big 12 clash on January 31.
BYU vs Kansas prediction
BYU vs Kansas best bet: Kansas 1H -2 (-115)
Although BYU Cougars superstar A.J. Dybantsa excels at attacking the hoop and drawing fouls, the Kansas Jayhawks rank 13th in adjusted defense and 23rd in opponent FT rate. Boasting physical wing defenders and an elite rim protector, they can slow him down.
Kansas also looks like a title contender with Darryn Peterson (21.6 ppg) in the lineup. Peterson is expected to return today, though he has played limited minutes in the second half of games due to lingering injuries and cramping.
I like the Jayhawks on the first-half spread — they’ve covered it in 15 of their last 19 home games.
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BYU vs Kansas same-game parlay
With both teams boasting strong defenses focused on containing Peterson and Dybantsa, this is a prime spot to back the No. 2 scorers.
Richie Saunders has scored 18+ points in nine of his last 11 games, averaging 20.0 ppg over that span.
Meanwhile, Tre White has made 2+ treys in six of his last nine games and tends to get more open looks when playing alongside Peterson.
BYU vs Kansas SGP
- Kansas 1H -2
- Richie Saunders Over 16.5 points
- Tre White Over 1.5 threes
Our beyond the arc SGP: Kansas Contains Dybantsa
Dybantsa has struggled with his efficiency against strong defensive teams that play gap coverage, which forces him to pass or take tough mid-range shots.
BYU vs Kansas SGP
- Kansas 1H -2
- Richie Saunders Over 16.5 points
- Tre White Over 1.5 threes
- A.J. Dybantsa Under 23.5 points
BYU vs Kansas odds
- Spread: BYU +3.5 (-110) | Kansas -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: BYU +145 | Kansas -170
- Over/Under: Over 157.5 (-110) | Under 157.5 (-110)
BYU vs Kansas betting trend to know
The Jayhawks are 8-1 SU at home this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for BYU vs. Kansas.
How to watch BYU vs Kansas
| Location | Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
BYU vs Kansas key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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