CBB Predictions: Will visiting Jayhawks run past Rebels? 12/22/16

KU gaining steam as league action nears

UNLV, under first-year coach Marvin Menzies, seems to have the makings of a solid team entering Mountain West play. But do the Rebels stand a chance in their final nonconference test tonight?

No. 3 Kansas carries a 10-game winning streak into Sin City at 9 p.m. ET. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Bill Self’s group odds of -2200 to dominate on the road, too. Conversely, UNLV represents a +1800 underdog.

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The Jayhawks haven’t tasted defeat since dropping a 103-99 decision to Indiana on Nov. 11. Leading the way is Frank Mason, who’s performing at an All-American level through 11 contests. The senior guard puts up 20.3 points a tilt to go along with averages of 5.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds. He’s even shooting 56 percent from the field.

Menzies typically leans on the one-two punch of Jalen Poyser and Tyrell Green to fill up the stat sheet. The sophomore and senior combined for 33 points and eight rebounds in Monday’s 68-61 victory over Southern Illinois. Unfortunately, the Rebels also committed 23 turnovers on that occasion.

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Such carelessness won’t fly against KU. The Jayhawks are thriving as they prepare to pursue a 13th straight Big 12 crown. UNLV, on the flip side, got demolished by Duke and Oregon in previous matchups vs. ranked opponents in 2016-17. You know what to do here.

 

THURSDAY NCAA FREE PICK: KANSAS/UNLV OVER 152 POINTS