Texas vs. Kansas: Game Preview, Prediction

By Tim Letcher
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY SPORTS
Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY SPORTS

The Kansas Jayhawks will attempt to keep their lead in the Big 12 race when they host the Texas Longhorns on Saturday in Lawrence.

Kansas currently has a one-game lead over three opponents in the Big 12 standings. The Jayhawks are trying to win the league for the 11th straight year, and are in position to do so with just three regular season games remaining.

Just two weeks ago, it appeared that Kansas was ready to run away with the title, but the Jayhawks have lost two of their last three games to let other teams into the race. But if Kansas can handle its own business, no one in the league can catch them.

Perry Ellis leads Kansas in scoring, averaging 14 points per game, and in rebounding, averaging seven rebounds per contest. Frank Mason III averages 12.1 points per contest for head coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks.

Texas seemed to be one of the best teams in the country early in the season. The Longhorns went to Lexington and went toe-to-toe with the top-ranked Kentucky Wildcats before losing 63-51. The Longhorns were 12-2 at one point this season, but now find themselves at 17-11 and just 6-9 in conference play.

The Longhorns come into Saturday’s game on a three-game losing streak. In their defense, all three of those opponents were ranked and two of the games were on the road.

Isaiah Taylor, who missed 10 games earlier this season due to injury, leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.4 points per contest. Myles Turner averages 11.2 points, while Jonathan Holmes scores 10.5 points per outing.

Texas looks the part, even if the Longhorns have not played well lately. At any point, they could break loose and return to their early-season form, although that doesn’t appear likely, especially not in Lawrence.

Final score prediction: Kansas 74, Texas 64

Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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