The Kansas Jayhawks are about to hit the court for the 35th-straight time in the NCAA Tournament, and Bill Self is ready to show what his team has to offer. After another uncharacteristically down season, Kansas is ready to show it can truly be a title contender.
The first team in the way for the Jayhawks is 13-seed Cal Baptist, which is making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas can't afford to be like the Duke Blue Devils and overlook its opponent, the Lancers, a team that can get hot from three, especially behind Dominique Daniels Jr.
It is no surprise, though, that the Jayhawks are a heavy favorite over Cal Baptist, but so was Duke over Siena, and this is March Madness, and anything can happen.
No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Cal Baptist final odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Kansas: -14.5 (-105)
- Cal Baptist: +14.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- Kansas: -1600
- Cal Baptist: +760
Total
O/U: 140.5 (-115/-105)
Player specific odds for No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Cal Baptist in first round of NCAA Tournament
- Darryn Peterson (KU): +/- 21.5 points
- Flory Bidunga (KU): +/- 13.5 points
- Melvin Council Jr. (KU): +/- 12.5 points
- Tre White (KU): +/- 11.5 points
- Dominique Daniels Jr. (CBU): +/- 21.5 points
It is no surprise that Darryn Peterson is projected to be the leading scorer for the Jayhawks as he has led them all season long, but don't count out Tre White, who has really hit his stride late in the season.
For Cal Baptist, star shooter Dominique Daniels Jr. is one that the Jayhawks are going to have to watch, as he can get hot from beyond the arc very fast. Daneils could take over this game, and if he does, Kansas could be in trouble.
Final score prediction: Kansas 86, Cal Baptist 79
Daniels is a great weapon for Cal Baptist, but someone would have to step up for the Lancers in order for Kansas to fall victim to the upset, and it seems like this Jayhawks team is coming in with a chip on its shoulder. I predict it will be close with the scoring ability of Daniels, but Kansas will close it out in the end.