Arkansas vs. Kansas Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
The Jayhawks rebounded from a stunning defeat in the Big 12 Tournament championship game with a one-sided 96-68 win over the Howard Bison on Thursday to advance to the Second Round for the 16th time in as many March Madness appearances. Seeded No. 8 in the West, the Razorbacks eye a return to the Sweet Sixteen for a third straight year after getting past Illinois with a 73-63 First Round win.
A big win over the Bison has not boosted top-seeded Kansas on the Second Round odds. The Jayhawks are pegged as fading 3.5-point favourites, and sport odds of just -102 to cover. The Razorbacks are listed as +128 moneyline underdogs and the total sits at 144.
Arkansas vs. Kansas Round of 32 Point Spread and Betting
Saturday afternoon’s matchup at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa marks the first meeting between these teams since November 2005, and their first date at the NCAA Tournament since 1991, when Kansas claimed a 93-81 Elite Eight victory. However, Arkansas has claimed victory in four of their past six overall clashes with the Jayhawks. While Arkansas has won two straight in the Second Round, the Jayhawks have closed out opening weekend with mixed results in recent years, winning just one of their past three and going winless against the spread in their past four.
Arkansas Razorbacks (8)
The Razorbacks overcame some of the defensive struggles that plagued them done the stretch with a steady effort in Thursday’s 73-63 win over Illinois. Arkansas took advantage of the Fighting Illini’s flat start, seizing a double-digit lead by halftime, and maintained offensive pressure throughout the second half while allowing the fewest opponent points in eight games. Ricky Council IV enjoyed yet another standout game, scoring a team-high 18 points to erase the memory of a forgettable performance at the SEC Tournament, where he scored just 12 total points in two appearances. Senior Makhi Mitchell also contributed nine points off the bench, and has averaged 12 points in three games.
Kansas Jayhawks (1)
The Jayhawks certainly looked like defending champions as they rolled over the Bisons. Kansas shot 52.1% from the floor while rebounding from an upset loss to Texas in the Big 12 championship game, and have now won 12 of 15 games. The Jayhawks’ 96 points against Howard marks their highest team total this season, and brought an end to a 7-0 run for the UNDER. This team has work to do to overcome a shaky 3-4 against the spread run. However, that could all change if the Jayhawks’ starters maintain their torrid scoring pace. All five starters scored at least 10 points in Thursday’s win, with freshman Gradey Dick enjoying a breakthrough March Madness debut with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
ARK
KU