Kentucky vs Kansas: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for 2023 SEC/Big 12 Challenge

When it comes to name brand alone, there is no bigger matchup in the 2023 SEC/Big 12 Challenge than Kentucky hosting Kansas inside Rupp Arena. A pair of college basketball programs who are no stranger to each other, this is the fifth meeting between the two in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, as well as a rematch from last season in which Kentucky defeated Kansas in Lawrence, 80-62.

One of the hottest teams in the SEC at the moment, Kentucky comes into Saturday owning a 14-6 overall record, as well as a 5-3 mark in SEC conference play. The Wildcats, led by head coach John Calipari, are currently on a four-game winning streak that dates back to January 14, one that includes’ wins at Tennessee and Vanderbilt, as well as at home against Georgia and Texas A&M.

The Wildcats are led by the defending SEC and National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, and are currently averaging 75.7 PPG, while also allowing 66.3 PPG to opponents. Kentucky is also one of the top offensive rebounding teams in college basketball averaging 14 per game, with others such as Antonio Reeves, Cason Wallace, Jacob Toppin, and Sahvir Wheeler among the additional names to know.

Kansas comes to Lexington ranked as the No. 9 team in the country according to the latest AP Poll, with the Jayhawks owning a 16-4 overall record, as well as a 5-3 mark in Big 12 play. Kansas, who are the defending national champions, are led by head coach Bill Self, and have struggled in recent games, as they are currently on a three-game winning streak that includes losses to Kansas State, TCU, and Baylor.

The Jayhawks are currently averaging 75.9 PPG, while allowing 67.5 PPG, and are led by one of the nation’s top players in forward Jalen Wilson at 21.4 PPG and 8.6 RPG. Also averaging in double-figures for Kansas is Gradey Dick, KJ Adams, and Kevin McCullar, while Dajuan Harris is also a prominent player for the Jayhawks.

Kentucky vs Kansas 2023 SEC/Big 12 Challenge Prediction

While this game might not necessarily have the same final score gap between the two teams as a year ago, I do think that the Wildcats defeat Kansas once again. As for by how much, I’ll say that Kentucky wins a close one, in part due to a big game from Oscar Tshiebwe, who had a double-double in this matchup a year ago. Prediction: Kentucky 74, Kansas 69

What Channel is the Kentucky vs Kansas Game On?

The 2023 SEC/Big 12 Challenge matchup between Kentucky and Kansas will take place Saturday, January 28 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN from Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.

Kentucky vs Kansas Live Stream

A live stream of the 2023 SEC/Big 12 Challenge between Kentucky and No. 9 Kansas can be found on fuboTV here.