Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/3/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/3/26

KANSAS @ ARIZONA STATE (KAN -5.5, 151.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

JAYHAWKS @ SUN DEVILS 3/3/26

The No. 15 Kansas Jayhawks (21-8) travel to Tempe tonight to face the Arizona State Sun Devils (14-14) in a Big 12 clash at Desert Financial Arena. Kansas enters as a 5.5-point road favorite, looking to bounce back from a tough 84-61 loss to Arizona. Arizona State, meanwhile, is coming off a solid 73-60 victory over Utah and will look to use their home-court advantage to pull off the upset.

Despite a blowout loss in their last outing, the Jayhawks remain one of the most efficient teams in the country, ranking 16th in KenPom’s Net Rating. Kansas boasts a top-10 defense (9th in DRtg) and an offense that ranks 51st nationally. Arizona State, by contrast, has struggled significantly on the defensive end, ranking 313th in points allowed per game (78.9) and 294th in opponent field goal percentage (46.2%).

Kansas has been a reliable favorite this season, going 15-3 straight up in that role. While they are 5-5 ATS on the road, the statistical mismatch here is glaring. Kansas shoots 46.98% from the field (80th) compared to Arizona State's 44.84% (207th). More importantly, Kansas's elite perimeter defense (19th in 3PT% defense at 30.12%) should neutralize an Arizona State team that relies on the long ball but only shoots 34.1% from deep. Expect Bill Self's squad to tighten up defensively.

While both teams have shown the ability to score, the Under has been a consistent trend for Kansas lately. The Jayhawks have gone Under the total in 20 of their 29 games this season (69%). In their last five games, the Under has hit four times. Kansas plays at a relatively average tempo (190th in AdjT), and their primary goal on the road will be to control the pace and rely on their 9th-ranked adjusted defensive efficiency.

Arizona State’s offense can be volatile. The Sun Devils shot 49.1% in their last game against Utah but have struggled against elite defenses. Kansas allows only 68.2 points per game (46th in the nation). If Kansas successfully dictates a half-court game, Arizona State will struggle to reach the 70-point mark. Given Kansas's defensive discipline and their recent Under trends, 151.5 feels slightly too high for a high-stakes conference road game.

Kansas is 21-8 overall and has a significant advantage in Strength of Schedule (ranked 1st in SOS Net Rating). They have navigated the toughest gauntlet in college basketball, while Arizona State sits one game above .500.

The Sun Devils have been inconsistent at home (9-5), while Kansas has proven they can win in hostile environments, including a recent win over Houston. The Jayhawks' superior rebounding (47th in total rebounds) and elite free-throw shooting (33rd at 76.64%) provide a high floor in close-game situations. Arizona State commits 20.33 fouls per game (347th), which should lead to plenty of easy points at the stripe for Kansas to seal the victory.

Darryn Peterson is coming off a massive performance against Arizona, where he dropped 24 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. He is the engine of the Kansas offense, posting a 33.5% usage rate and an impressive 119.0 ORtg. His ability to get to the free throw line (86.4% FT) will be critical against a foul-prone Arizona State defense.

Flory Bidunga is a force in the paint. He is shooting a staggering 64.7% from the field. He ranks 11th in offensive rebound percentage and will likely dominate an Arizona State frontcourt that ranks 269th in rebounds allowed.

Moe Odum is the primary playmaker for the Sun Devils, recently recording 15 points and 4 assists against Utah. He will face a difficult test against Kansas's perimeter defenders, who allow opponents to shoot just 30.1% from three.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: UNDER 151.5

Both of these teams can score, but the difference tonight is the Kansas defense. They rank 53rd nationally allowing 68.6 ppg. The Jayhawks are No. 9 in Defensive Rating according to KenPom. The Under is the trend for Kansas because of that defense. This season, 20 of the Jayhawks’ 29 games have cashed on the Under. In their last 5 games, the Under has hit 4 times. These two teams played last year at Kansas and the Jayhawks held ASU to 55 points. The Sun Devils offense is inconsistent and they’ve been held Under 70 points by elite defenses like Gonzaga and West Virginia. The Kansas defense ranks higher than both in Defensive Rating.

Coach Rick Day Pass $49

BUY NOW

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.