NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview: Kansas Jayhawks @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Two nationally relevant programs meet on a neutral floor Monday afternoon when the Kansas Jayhawks face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Kansas enters at 3–2 and ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, while Notre Dame brings a 4–1 record into the contest with growing offensive momentum. The Kansas Jayhawks aim to rebound from a loss to Duke, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempt to carry their home success into a neutral-site setting.
Predict Every Period with Confidence
Handicapping Powered by AI. Backed by Data.
Kansas opened as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5, reflective of two efficient offenses and teams still sharpening identity ahead of deeper nonconference tests. For broader tournament and scheduling context, bettors can reference the NCAAB previews page, which expands on neutral-site early-season matchups.
Odds and Key Information
The spread for Kansas has held at -5.5, with slight early interest toward the favorite due to matchup consistency and Kansas’ track record in neutral-site games. The total of 141.5 has drawn attention from over bettors, given both teams’ shooting efficiency.
Kansas coaches emphasized better early execution on both ends after the loss to Duke, focusing on reducing turnovers and improving ball-screen coverage. Notre Dame expressed confidence following an 86–79 win over Bellarmine, highlighting the rapid offensive development of their young roster. Both teams travel well, but Kansas has more experience in large-venue neutral contests.
Kansas Jayhawks Outlook
Kansas’ offensive profile remains strong despite a recent setback. The Jayhawks shot well inside the arc against Duke, recording 60.5 percent two-point accuracy this season, which ranks inside the national top 60. Their overall 49.1 percent field-goal mark places them among the top 75 nationally, supported by structured ball movement and solid spacing.
Tre White anchors the Kansas attack with scoring versatility. His 22-point, nine-rebound performance versus Duke demonstrated physicality and mid-post scoring. Melvin Council Jr. provides secondary playmaking with 15 points and six assists in that same contest. Freshman forward Flory Bidunga has delivered efficient interior scoring, converting 70 percent of his shots while also serving as a rim deterrent.
Kansas’ 15.8 assists per game reflect its reliance on set-play creation and interior passing. The Jayhawks have been reliable as favorites, going 3-0 straight up and covering in two-thirds of those opportunities. Defensively, Kansas looks to tighten closeouts and improve weak-side reactions, something that became an issue against high-scoring teams early in the schedule.
Depth development continues, and lineup continuity should improve as rotations stabilize. Injury availability can be monitored via team resources, but Kansas enters the matchup with a full expected rotation.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Outlook
Notre Dame enters with an efficient, balanced offense, averaging 83.6 points and ranking inside the national top 25 in three-point percentage at 40.5 percent. Markus Burton remains the engine of the Irish attack, scoring 25 points on 76.9 percent shooting against Bellarmine. His perimeter quickness enables paint touches and inside-out creation.
Jalen Haralson adds size and length on the wing, contributing 16 points in the most recent outing. Carson Towt’s interior scoring gives Notre Dame a third dimension, making their half-court sets difficult to defend when spacing is intact. The Irish have also been strong at home and remain unbeaten as favorites this season.
Their overall 50.7 percent field-goal mark ranks inside the top 40, illustrating efficient shot selection and the impact of strong perimeter shooters such as Burton and Haralson. Notre Dame’s defensive efficiency remains a work in progress, as they continue to refine coverage communication, but their scoring potential keeps them competitive against higher-ranked opponents.
The Irish may face a challenge with Kansas’ interior strength and rebounding presence. Maintaining defensive discipline in transition and contesting Kansas’ strong mid-range creation will be central to staying inside the number.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Interior Scoring | Kansas Jayhawks |
| Three-Point Shooting | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
| Transition Efficiency | Kansas Jayhawks |
| Bench Production | Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
Betting Trends
Kansas enters with a solid track record as a favorite, winning all three contests in that role this season and covering in two of those matchups. Their games have leaned slightly toward the over due to inside scoring efficiency.
Notre Dame has been profitable on the spread in early matchups, particularly in high-scoring environments. Their strong three-point accuracy has pushed several games over projected totals.
More betting context across team matchups can be found on the NCAAB scores and odds page or reviewed through the college basketball picks hub. Bettors seeking broader analytics on player trends can reference the John Wooden Award odds page or explore tournament-level implications via the college basketball championship odds guide.
The Lean
This matchup features two efficient offenses, but Kansas’ interior scoring and overall defensive ceiling provide an edge on a neutral floor. The Jayhawks’ shot creation inside the arc, paired with consistent assist generation, gives them more scoring reliability against Notre Dame’s rotation.
Notre Dame’s shooting provides upset potential, but they must generate clean perimeter looks and avoid stretches of stagnant possessions. Kansas’ defensive physicality and transition scoring tilt the overall projection. More matchup analysis across Monday’s slate can be found on the NCAAB previews page.
Projected Final Score: Kansas Jayhawks 80, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 72
Best Spread Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -5.5
Total Lean: Over 141.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Handicapping neutral-site college basketball games requires analyzing pace factors, shot-quality tracking, and lineup stability. Expert projections integrate these elements with regression indicators and sharp-side signals, all of which influence spread and total performance. The Handicappers Leaderboard at the college basketball picks page highlights reliable analysts who consistently track these dynamics.
For more strategic context, bettors can review the NCAAB team directory and learn from market guidance found on the NCAAB expert guide, which offers transferable concepts across basketball markets.
