A Battle Between Two Top 10 Teams in Lawrence: Texas at Kansas

Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks, Phog Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
Saturday, January 22, 2011, 4:00 pm Eastern, TV: CBS
Opening Line: Kansas -7
Current Line: Kansas -7
Opening Total: 143
Current Total: 145 1/2
Money Line: Kansas -300 / Texas +250

Marcus Morris and the Kansas Jayhawks are 7 point favorites at home against Big 12 rival Texas, in a battle for first place in the conference. Both teams are 3-0 in the Big 12.

The Texas Longhorns are 15-3 and 3-0 in the Big 12 this season. They are ranked number 10 or 11 depending on which poll you look at. They travel to take on the 18-0, 3-0 Kansas Jayhawks in a battle for first place in the Big 12. Kansas is ranked #2 in both polls. Texas has losses to Pitt, USC, UConn, on the year. The losses to Pitt and UConn were by a combine 3 points. Texas has wins over Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan St, Arkansas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M. Texas beat Texas A&M 81-60 snapping the Aggies 13 game winning streak. A&M was ranked 10 or 11 at the time. Kansas has wins over Arizona, UCLA, Memphis, Colorado St, USC, California, Michigan, Iowa St, Nebraska, and Baylor. The Jayhawks won at Baylor 85-65 on Monday in their last game. Kansas has won 69 straight at home dating back to 2007. Kansas leads the overall series 17-6 against Texas. Kansas has won 3 straight in the series, and 6 out of the last 7. Texas is 6-15 ATS against conference foes the last two seasons. Texas is 10-3 ATS in all games this season.

Texas has no significant injuries. They are outscoring opponents 78-61 on the season. Texas is is shooting 46% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range. Texas opponets shoot 37% from the field. Texas makes 65.2% of their free throws. Texas averages 41.8 rebounds a game and has a rebounding margin of +7.3. Texas averages 14.5 assists and 12.2 turnovers a game. They force 14.1 turnovers a game on defense. Texas averages 6.3 steals and 4.9 blocks a game. Guard/forward Jordan Hamilton averages 19.7 points to lead the team, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists a game. He is shooting 42.5% from 3-point range. Freshman forward Tristan Thompson averages 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds to lead the team, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals to lead the team, and 2.1 blocks a game to also lead the team. Gary Johnson averages 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Cory Joseph averages 11.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists to lead the team, and 1.1 steals a game.

Kansas forward Travis Releford is listed as probable with a leg injury. The reserve missed the Jayhawks last game against Baylor. He only plays 15 minutes a game and averages 5 points a game. Kansas is led by the dynamic Morris twins, Marcus and Markieff. The 6’9″ Marcus averages 17.2 points to lead the team, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists a game. The 6’10 Markieff averages 13.2 points, 8.7 rebounds to lead the team, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks a game to lead the team. Josh Selby averages 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.4 steals a game. Tyshawn Taylor leads the team in assists with 5.1 a game and also averages 8.9 points, and 1.4 steals a game. Brady Morningstar leads the team in steals with 1.6 a game. Kansas is outscoring opponents 83-61 on the year. Kansas leads the nation in field goal percentage shooting 52.5% from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range. Jayhawk opponents are shooting 37.6% from the field. Kansas makes 66.9% of their free throws. Kansas averages 39.6 rebounds a game and has a rebounding margin of +7.9. Kansas averages 18.5 assists and 14.3 turnovers a game. Kansas forces 16.4 turnovers a game on defense. The Jayhawks average 9.1 steals and 4.8 blocks a game.

Texas has the advantage in rebounding, but Kansas doesn’t miss many shots which lessens the chance for offensive rebounds. Both have dominant front courts. Kansas is very tough at home, and that could be the difference between these evenly matched teams. Texas does have a win st Michigan St who was ranked #2 at the time. The Longhorns hope lightning strikes twice.