The Princeton Tigers are set to face off against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Kansas enters the matchup as a significant favorite, listed at -23.5 points on the spread, while the total points for the game are set at 147.5.
This matchup presents an intriguing non-conference clash that has fans curious about the performance of both teams. Both Princeton and Kansas are looking to rebound after underwhelming starts to their respective seasons. Kansas recently suffered a tough loss to North Carolina, marking a troubling trend as they are just 11-11 over their last 22 games, indicating a decline from their usual high standards.
On the other hand, Princeton is grappling with challenges as they lost several key players from last season and began the current year with a staggering 35-point defeat to Akron. The team’s biggest hurdle will be maintaining defensive composure against Kansas’s transition plays and implementing an effective strategy to counter ball screens.
A notable absence for the Jayhawks will be freshman standout Darryn Peterson, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Peterson’s absence leaves a gap in Kansas’s offensive lineup, as he is considered their most potent scoring threat. In his absence, Kansas will look to other key players like Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga to carry the scoring load.
For Princeton, the traditional Princeton offense may find it tough against Kansas’s strong defensive setup, which is expected to capitalize on the Tigers’ reliance on perimeter shooting and struggles to finish at the rim. However, the Tigers’ offensive scheme could catch the Jayhawks off guard at points during the game, particularly with well-timed cuts to the basket.
As for betting insights, the sizable spread reflects the expectations surrounding this matchup. Bettors have shown strong support for Kansas, which could continue to influence the spread as the game date approaches. Despite the advantages Kansas might hold, Princeton has historically proven to be competitive against larger opponents.
In conclusion, with Kansas eager to bounce back from recent disappointments and with a substantial home-court advantage, the odds certainly lean in favor of the Jayhawks to cover the spread of -23.5.