Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks suffered a setback on Wednesday as they got down big in the third quarter and couldn't complete the fourth quarter comeback. And today's game doesn't get any easier, as the conference-leading Texas Longhorns come to town for a big tilt.

The Longhorns lead the all-time series 33-12, including a 13-7 record in Lawrence. They have won 4 of the last 6 and 19 of the last 21 in the series. The last home win for Kansas came on February 15, 2020.

Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:

The Numbers

Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics

Kansas: 14-6 (4-5 Big 12): CBB Analytics Net Rating - 51st overall, 76th offense, 50th defense

#24/#25 Texas: 17-6 (8-2 Big 12): Net Rating - 10th overall, 29th offense, 13th defense

Line: UT -5.5

O/U: 136.5

How to Watch

Saturday, February 4th, 4:00 p.m. CST

Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse

TV: Big 12 Now on ESPN+

- Brenda VanLengen (Play-by-Play), Niccolly Wuellner (Analyst)

Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network

- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst)

Webcast: Kansas Online Radio

Game Coverage

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Opponent Team Form

Last time these two teams met, the Jayhawks were unable to complete the comeback, with the Longhorns pulling away late to bounce back from a road loss against Oklahoma State. Since then, Texas has been on a tear, winning every game by double digits except for an upset loss in Lubbock.

Like the rest of the Big 12, a lot has changed for the Longhorns in the last few games, as the difficult in-conference slate has really brought down numbers overall. They have shot 45.7% overall and just 29.2% from three in the last five games, which brings their totals down to 46.4% and 33.8%. And they have shot an abysmal 60.2% on free throws, bringing the season average to 68.3%.

This is a team that thrives on their interior play, taking 80% of their shots from inside the arc. They are among the national leaders in offensive rebounding and blocks, but have struggled defensively in both rebounding and steals.

Players to Watch

The Longhorns are the most balanced offensive team in the conference, with five players that all average 10 or more points per game, split evenly in the frontcourt and backcourt. A sixth in forward Aaliyah Moore was injured just nine games into the season.

On the perimeter, leading scorers Shaylee Gonzalez and Sonya Morris are the main scoring threats. Gonzalez has made her season on slashing to the basket, while Morris is the main three-point threat on the team, making 39.5% of her attempts. They are joined by Rori Harmon, who holds primarily ball-handling duties. She has taken less of the scoring burden on herself this season and instead showcased her ability to run the offense and facilitate for other.

Down in the post, DeYona Gaston, Taylor Jones and Khadija Faye provide a three-pronged attack. They all pull down just over five rebounds per game, but Jones especially has stepped up in the absence of Moore, averaging 1.7 blocks per game since entering the lineup.

Matchups to Watch

The main issue for the Jayhawks recently has been foul trouble, as both Taiyanna Jackson and Wyvette Mayberry have had to sit significant minutes in key parts of the game. The last game in Austin had all five starters pick up multiple fouls, but only Zakiyah Franklin had 4, and nobody fouled out. Texas doesn't force a lot of fouls, and they don't go to the line a lot, but their physical play inside and quick guards definitely present the opportunity for fouls to be called. And with Ioanna Chatzileonti not available to chip in some fouls, it will be even more important to avoid silly ones.

To that end, the perimeter defense of Mayberry, Chandler Prater, Holly Kersgieter and Franklin will be extremely important, both to limit entry passes in difficult positions but also to prevent guards from getting a full head of steam into the paint to draw extra fouls.

Prediction

I want to believe in this team, and Allen Fieldhouse has made a big difference for this team this season, but the Longhorns lead the conference for a reason, and their depth is going to be very hard for Kansas to contend with. I expect them to go at Jackson early to try and make her get more conservative with her defense.

I'm looking at two key players to tell me how this one goes. First, Prater needs to get involved in the scoring early and often. She was ice-cold against Baylor, and when she finally started hitting shots in the fourth quarter, it opened things up for everyone else. And Kersgieter is going to have to be hot from the outside. With the strength of the Longhorns being getting into the paint, Kansas will need that quick strike ability to stay in this one. Unfortunately, even if both those things go well, this team is more than talented enough to take home a road victory.

Texas 78, Kansas 71.

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