Arkansas vs. Kansas March Madness Preview and Prediction
In the No. 10 vs. No. 7 matchup in the NCAA Tournament West Region, the Arkansas Razorbacks face the Kansas Jayhawks in first-round action.
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How to Watch Arkansas vs. Kansas
When: 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20th
Where: Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island
Watch: CBS
Odds for Arkansas vs. Kansas
(odds current at time of publish)
Spread: Kansas -4.5 (-118), Arkansas +4.5 (-102)
Total: Over 145.5 (-110), Under 145.5 (-110)
DraftKings Betting Splits | Live College Basketball Odds | Arkansas vs. Kansas Matchup Page
Arkansas vs. Kansas Preview & Prediction
For the first time since 2009, John Calipari will coach in the NCAA Tournament from a different sideline. After successful tenures at Memphis, UMass, and Kentucky, he now leads Arkansas, which returns to the tournament after a one-year absence. The Razorbacks have had an inconsistent season, posting a 2-7 record in Quadrant 1-A games and 5-10 in Quadrant 1 matchups. They also went 4-3 in Quadrant 2 games, leaving some doubt about their true quality.
Arkansas’ defense stands out as a strength. They rank in the top 25 for adjusted defensive efficiency and perform well in both 2P% and 3P% defense. With key players like Zvonimir Ivisic, Jonas Aidoo, and Trevon Brazile, they lead the nation in blocked shots. This interior presence allows the guards to contest 3-pointers effectively, a crucial factor in the SEC. However, their offense has struggled, particularly from beyond the arc, where they shoot just under 31%. In SEC play, they ranked 14th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 12th in effective field goal percentage (eFG%).
While Arkansas could match up well with Hunter Dickinson, Kansas had better stats and metrics in most key areas, even though the Jayhawks have had a season filled with inconsistency. After suffering a third home loss at Phog Allen Fieldhouse in early March, Bill Self even apologized to fans for the team’s performance. Despite these ups and downs, Kansas remains a top-25 team in both KenPom and Bart Torvik, with a strong defense ranking in the top 10 for adjusted defensive efficiency. Offensively, they’ve struggled, particularly from 3-point range.
Their offense has been erratic, often settling for mid-range jumpers instead of attacking the rim. While their long 2-point shooting is effective, it has led to a lack of consistency. Since their 2022 national title, Self’s teams have failed to make it past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Kansas is favored to beat Arkansas, but the Razorbacks’ defense could make things interesting. If Arkansas can force Kansas to rely on outside shooting, an upset may be possible.
Estimated Score: Kansas 75, Arkansas 71
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