Kansas basketball: Duke preview, where to tune in
By Stan Unruh
Kansas basketball is set to play in the Midwest Regional Final for the third straight season. Here are some things to know when the Jayhawks face Duke.
As the announcers on TBS finally revealed the brackets on the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, many Kansas basketball fans immediately noticed one thing. Beyond the No. 1 seed and the team traveling to Wichita, Jayhawks saw Michigan State and Duke as potential opponents. There was good news. Provided they advance, the Crimson and Blue would only play one not both. A few Jayhawks I spoke with didn’t want to play the Big 10 Spartans or the Devils.
It’s too late. Sunday’s game is a tremendous opportunity for this Jayhawk team to once again prove just how good they are. Four Big 12 teams advanced to the Sweet 16. Only three Atlantic Coast Conference teams advanced past the opening weekend of the tournament.
Three Big 12 teams advanced to the Elite Eight. Two from the ACC. This is sixth NCAA Tournament meeting between the Jayhawks and Devils since 1985. Both teams are very different. All things considered, either team has strength and talent to advance to San Antonio.
Those who watch a lot of college basketball know No. 2 seed Duke is just as inconsistent at times as the Jayhawks. The Devils, who have 5 players who average in double figure scoring, didn’t win their conference or conference tournament. The two most important names on the roster are freshman Marvin Bagley and Senior Grayson Allen. They average 21 and 15 points respectively. Allen is known for more than scoring. His reputation is no secret.
The Devils are big and play a lot of zone. They are a very good rebounding team, averaging over 40 per game. The rebounding gives them plenty of second chance points.. On the other hand they also allow a lot of second chance points. The Devils are not invincible and must play well to stop a pretty successful Jayhawk team.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Tigers
Date: March 25
Time: 4:04 p.m. CST
Location: Omaha
Venue: Century Link Center
Television: CBS
Stream: Watch CBS
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
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Keys to victory
The Jayhawks have faced and beaten good zone teams this season. Fans look forward to watching the matchup between seniors Devonte Graham and Grayson Allen. Expect Udoka Azubuike and Bagley to put up their share of highlights too. Dok and the Jayhawk front court will have their hands full and must avoid foul trouble. Graham must penetrate the zone and get the ball to Malik Newman, Lagerald Vick and Svi Mykhailiuk from beyond the arc. Vick has been a monster against zone teams. Expect the junior from Memphis to overwhelm the Devil’s inside and out.