The No. 7-ranked Kansas Jayhawks are primed for their upcoming game against UCF this Sunday, January 5, at 3 p.m. CT. This matchup, taking place at the Addition Financial Arena located in Orlando, Florida, marks another chapter for the Jayhawks as they seek to improve on their recent performance and build momentum moving forward.
This game will be broadcast on ESPN+, which is available as part of ESPN's paid streaming service, allowing fans to catch all the action on their smart TVs, computers, and other devices. The Jayhawk Radio Network will also provide live coverage for listeners, with the game airing on 1320 AM/101.7 FM in Lawrence, 810 AM in Kansas City, and 1240 AM/97.5 FM in Wichita.
Heading to the contest, Kansas is favored by 5.5 points according to betting lines released by DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook. The total over/under for the game stands at 149.5 points, reflecting expectations for an exciting, competitive matchup. Kansas holds a moneyline of -225, with UCF's set at +185—indications of the tight competition expected as the teams prepare to clash.
Historically, this matchup is quite new for both programs; the Jayhawks have yet to secure a win against UCF, holding an all-time record of 0-1 against them. Their last meeting, which took place earlier this season, ended poorly for Kansas, resulting in their second loss of the year which sent them spiraling. Coach Bill Self and his team are out for redemption, hoping to change their fortunes this time around.
Compounding their challenges, the Jayhawks will be without junior forward Zach Clemence, who has struggled with a significant groin injury. Coach Self confirmed on Friday, “It’s not good,” indicating Clemence is still not able to participate fully. This absence, combined with his recruitment history—he joined the team as one of the promising prospects—presents another hurdle for the Jayhawks as they aim to secure this win.
Zach has had limited playing time this season, with only eight games under his belt, where he managed to score 11 points and grab 11 rebounds. His injury occurred during practice leading up to their game against Brown on December 22, and it’s unclear when he will be fit to return, affecting both game strategy and team dynamics.
On the other side, UCF enters this game boasting their own strengths. The Knights have been rolling with six consecutive wins and present formidable defensive play, ranking No. 79 for adjusted defensive efficiency currently. Their victory against Texas Tech proves they cannot be underestimated, especially with their strong free-throw game, where they rank No. 30 with 77.9 percent.
UCF's offense, led by the 6-foot-7 junior guard Keyshawn Hall, who averages 15.8 points per game, will pose challenges for Kansas’ defense. Hall not only leads his team as the top scorer but also assists greatly with 4.8 assists per game along with solid rebounding statistics. Despite their success, they do struggle with turnovers, ranking No. 152 and showing vulnerabilities, which could play to the Jayhawks’ advantage.
For Kansas, players like Flory Bidunga have emerged as key assets. Recently, Bidunga's performance was highlighted during the team's comeback attempt against West Virginia on New Year’s Eve, where he contributed significantly with eight points, 11 rebounds, and impactful defense. Bidunga's ability to change the game’s momentum suggests he could be pivotal against UCF if he receives extended playtime.
The betting odds once again suggest Kansas as the favorite, and their need for victory is clearer than ever. Having faced struggles particularly on the road last season, the Jayhawks must capitalize on their strengths to exploit UCF’s weaknesses, particularly at the rim and on turnovers. This strategy could dictate the flow of the game, allowing Kansas to reclaim their status and strengthen their NCAA tournament positioning.
With much on the line, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Jayhawks manage to outmaneuver UCF, overcoming their injury setbacks and historical shortcomings? Or will UCF continue their spirited winning streak, using home advantage to thwart Kansas’ aspirations? One thing is certain: this game promises excitement and high stakes, appealing to fans and analysts alike.