No. 7 Kansas vs. West Virginia: What ESPN Matchup Predictor Says

The Jayhawks and Mountaineers are set to clash in their Big 12 opener on Tuesday afternoon.

Dec 22, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams Jr. (24) dunks the ball as Brown Bears guard Aaron Cooley (21) looks on during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks will face the West Virginia Mountaineers on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse, and ESPN’s Matchup Predictor heavily favors the home team.

According to the analytics, the Jayhawks have an 85.8% chance to secure the victory.

Both teams enter the contest with identical 9-2 records, but the Mountaineers are riding a hot streak. West Virginia has won six of its last seven games, including an impressive five-game winning streak.

During that stretch, they notched marquee victories over No. 3 Gonzaga and No. 24 Arizona.

Season Leaders

Dec 22, 2024; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Hunter Dickinson (1) shoots over Brown Bears forward N'famara Dabo (45) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Points

• J. Small (WVU): 19.7 PPG, 44.7 FG%, 87.3 FT%
• H. Dickinson (KU): 15.5 PPG, 54.6 FG%, 71.9 FT%

Rebounds

• A. Hansberry (WVU): 6.6 RPG (4.2 DRPG, 2.5 ORPG)
• H. Dickinson (KU): 10.3 RPG (7.9 DRPG, 2.4 ORPG)

Assists

• J. Small (WVU): 4.8 APG, 2.8 TOPG, 35.2 MPG
• D. Harris Jr. (KU): 5.7 APG, 1.5 TOPG, 30.4 MPG

Tuesday’s matchup will pit Kansas’ well-rounded lineup, anchored by star big man Hunter Dickinson and savvy guard Dajuan Harris Jr., against a surging West Virginia squad led by dynamic scorer Javon Small.

Dickinson’s ability to dominate the boards and Harris Jr.’s exceptional playmaking will be key for the Jayhawks, while the Mountaineers will look to extend their winning streak with another statement performance.

Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas will aim to maintain its dominant home-court advantage and secure a crucial Big 12 victory.

---

Kansas on Sports Illustrated

Latest Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Jayhawks Back on Track?

Bill Self: Jayhawks Are Progressing, But Still Finding Their Identity

What We Learned From Kansas Basketball’s Dominant Victory Over Brown