Recent Play Details

4% Arkansas (5:15 ET): I think this is a very, very tricky matchup for top seed Kansas as they are facing a dangerous 8-seed in Arkansas, who I have as a Top 15 team in my own personal power ratings. The Razorbacks breezed by Illinois in the Round of 64, winning 73-63 as 2.5-point favorites, thus wiping the bitter taste of their SEC Tournament exit (blew 13-point halftime lead and lost to Texas A&M) out of their mouths. Let’s not forget that Eric Mussleman has gotten the Hogs to the Elite 8 each of the last two seasons. This team will NOT be intimidated by the big stage. 

Kansas ended up winning 96-68 over 16-seed Howard on Thursday afternoon, but they got off to a slow start. Remember that the Jayhawks have been without HC Bill Self (health concerns), whose status for Saturday’s game remains up in the air. It’s not an ideal situation and even if Self is able to return, I wouldn’t be rushing to the window to bet on the Jayhawks. Remember that KU got crushed (76-56 by Texas) in the Big 12 Tournament Final. I think that’s a pertinent result to bring up because - by Kansas’ own admission - Arkansas is a team very reminiscent of the Longhorns. 

Arkansas ranks 13th in the country in defensive efficiency. They just held Illinois to 0.81 points per possession and 46.2% shooting from inside the arc. I have little doubt that the Razorbacks can keep KU’s offense in check. But this game boils down to what the Razorbacks can do at the offensive end. Considering their strength is getting to the rim, something Howard was shockingly able to do against this Kansas team, I am predicting success for the Hogs, who also do an excellent job at getting to the free throw line. Take the points. 4% Arkansas (Play to +2.5)