Kansas basketball enters the Players Era Festival as a -5 point favorite against Notre Dame on Monday, Nov. 24. The Jayhawks (3-2) host the undefeated Fighting Irish (4-1) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. All eyes on Kansas, looking to bounce back after losses to Duke and North Carolina.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Kansas favored by 5 points with -220 moneyline over Notre Dame (+185)
- Notre Dame averages 9.4 made 3-pointers per game—2.6 more than Kansas allows
- Game location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas on Nov. 24
- Over/Under set at 141.5 points for the matchup
- Kansas ranked #24; Notre Dame enters undefeated at 4-1
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
This matchup brings Kansas confidence from home court. The Jayhawks are 3-0 at home this season. But road travel to Las Vegas presents challenges despite the venue being neutral.
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Notre Dame hasn’t lost yet, sitting at an impressive 4-1 record. The Irish showed defensive toughness and offensive balance. Their 3-point shooting (9.4 made per game) gives them real spacing advantages. Kansas allows just 6.8 made 3s per game—second-best in the nation.
Kansas dropped its last two contests against top programs. The Duke loss hurt most. Still, playing at home-neutral ground in Vegas might energize the squad.
Key Statistical Matchups
Three-point shooting decides this game. Here’s what the numbers show:
| Category | Kansas | Notre Dame |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Pointers Made/Game | 7.8 | 9.4 |
| 3s Allowed/Game | 6.8 | TBA |
| Record | 3-2 | 4-1 |
| Home/Neutral Record | 3-0 Home | Neutral Site |
The edge goes to Notre Dame in perimeter shooting. Kansas has the defensive prowess to limit three-point volume. This game might be decided by bench scoring and free throw shooting down the stretch.
Why Kansas’ Favorite Status Makes Sense
Despite Notre Dame being undefeated, Kansas earns the -5 point favor for solid reasons. Home court usually matters—even in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks bring elite Three-point defense that shuts down opponents. Bill Self’s team knows tournament scenarios and clutch basketball.
Plus, Notre Dame hasn’t faced true elite defense yet. The Irish got tested once, with their only loss to Ohio State on the road. Kansas plays a different tempo and style. Neutral court could flip their recent struggles. Think of it as a reset.
The -220 moneyline tells sharp bettors something: Books respect Kansas’ pedigree more than Notre Dame’s undefeated record suggests they should.
What To Watch For
- Three-point volume control—Can Kansas keep Notre Dame below 9 makes?
- Carson Towt’s impact—Notre Dame’s forward strong on rebounding
- Bench depth comparison—Reserves could decide close games
- Turnover margin—Kansas needs to protect the ball early
- Free throw shooting down stretch—Pressure moments come late
What’s Your Pick Here?
This feels like a classic trap spot. Notre Dame is undefeated but untested. Kansas is wounded but talented. The -5 spread looks reasonable.
Smart money leans Kansas to cover. They’ll tighten their defense. Bill Self teams execute under pressure. But Notre Dame’s offensive balance keeps this competitive.
Looking for edge? Monitor three-point shooting percentages in the first half. Whichever team shoots over 40% from deep likely wins. Can Kansas prove doubters wrong after back-to-back losses?
Sources
- Action Network – Game odds and predictions
- BET MGM – Betting lines and analysis
- ESPN – Team statistics and game coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.