Kansas Jayhawks vs Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Predictions for Tuesday January 20 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/20/2026, 07:25 AM ET
Arizona vs Colorado prediction
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The Kansas Jayhawks travel to Boulder to take on the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 11:00 PM EST. This Big 12 matchup will be televised on ESPN. At the time of publication, the moneyline lists Colorado at +185 and Kansas at -225, the total is set at 156.5 with both the over and under priced at -110, and the spread has Kansas favored by 5.5 points at -108 with Colorado +5.5 at -112. Make sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily betting insight.

Jayhawks Head West Looking for Consistency

Kansas enters this matchup with a 13-5 overall record and has been tested away from home this season. Over their last five games, the Jayhawks have recently won over Baylor, Iowa State, and TCU in overtime, while also recently losing to West Virginia and UCF. That stretch shows a team capable of dominant performances but still searching for consistency on the road.

From a statistical standpoint, Kansas is averaging 78.0 points per game while allowing just 67.5 points on the defensive end. The Jayhawks are shooting 47% from the field and pulling down 39.2 rebounds per game, giving them a strong presence on the glass.

Kansas’ biggest advantage is its interior defense. The Jayhawks average 6.3 blocks per game, which allows them to protect the paint and discourage opponents from attacking the rim. When that rim protection is paired with solid rebounding, Kansas can control tempo and limit second-chance points.

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Buffaloes Look to Defend Home Court

Colorado comes into this contest with a 12-6 overall record and has been solid at home this season. In their last five games, the Buffaloes have recently won over Utah and Arizona State, while also recently losing to West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech. Despite those losses, Colorado has remained competitive in most conference matchups.

The Buffaloes are averaging 83.2 points per game while allowing 77.2 points defensively. They are shooting 48% from the field and averaging 15.9 assists per game, showing an offense that can score efficiently when the ball is moving.

Colorado’s strength lies in its offensive balance. The Buffaloes have multiple scoring options and average 6.3 steals per game, allowing them to create transition opportunities, especially in front of the home crowd where energy tends to elevate their pace.

Kansas Jayhawks vs Colorado Buffaloes Pick

Kansas Jayhawks vs Colorado Buffaloes Spread Pick

  • Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -5.5

Kansas has a clear edge in defensive efficiency and rebounding, which should translate well even in a road environment. The Jayhawks’ ability to protect the rim and control the glass limits Colorado’s chances of easy points, and that defensive consistency gives Kansas the upper hand to cover the number.

Kansas Jayhawks vs Colorado Buffaloes Total Pick

  • Pick: Under 156.5

I’m backing the under because Kansas prefers a more controlled pace and consistently limits opponents’ scoring. While Colorado can score in spurts, Kansas’ interior defense and rebounding should slow the game down and keep this total from climbing too high.

Final Score Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks 78, Colorado Buffaloes 71

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