The 2023-24 Kansas basketball campaign was one of the worst in recent program history since Bill Self took over as head coach. However, a highlight of the Jayhawks' rocky season included an epic victory in Allen Fieldhouse against then-ranked No. 4 Houston. The atmosphere in Lawrence was unmatched that day.
One year later, KU is still having an up-and-down year, though the team has recently shown some life with its defensive prowess. A win would not only be important for bragging rights, but it would allow Bill Self and Co. to gain ground in the Big 12 regular season title race. These three keys could propel the Jayhawks to victory in this showdown.
1. Push the game's tempo and make the most of fastbreak opportunities
Houston runs one of the slowest-paced offenses in college basketball. They rank 361st in Division I in adjusted tempo, trailing only Wagner, Virginia, and Drake. The Cougars have the best defensive rating in the sport as well, making them an extremely tough team to figure out.
To disrupt Houston's rhythm, Kansas should focus on accelerating the game's tempo, forcing the Cougars into a faster-paced contest than they're accustomed to. That does not necessarily mean chucking ill-advised shots all game, but the Jayhawks should be aggressive around the rim and take open 3-pointers when they can find them.
Making the most of fastbreak opportunities could also be crucial down the stretch. Last game against TCU, Kansas outscored the Horned Frogs 14 to 5 in transition. But in the Jayhawks' two conference losses, they combined for just eight fastbreak points. Houston is not a mistake-prone squad, so KU cannot squander its chance when it makes an error.