Kansas faces Arkansas at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 18 on CBS. The 1-seed Jayhawks are spread favorites, with the 8-seed Razorbacks to win the game on the moneyline. The point total in Kansas vs. Arkansas odds is set at .
In this article, we’ll dissect everything you need to know before placing a bet on these second round odds, including team matchups, key metrics, and the best available odds.
Kansas vs. Arkansas Odds
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How Fortunate Are The Jayhawks?
Sure, the defending national champs boast the seventh-rated adjusted defensive efficiency (AdjD). They also showcase Jalen Wilson, one of the premier players across D-I, and five-star freshman Grady Dick, a 3-point marksman and undervalued ballhawk in his own right. The 6-foot-8, 205-pound wing posted 18 points, 11 boards, 5 assists, and 3 steals in Kansas’ blowout win over Howard in the Round of 64.
But more importantly, the Jayhawks rank No. 12 in KenPom’s luck factor rating. Keep in mind, 11 of their wins have come by two possessions or less. Therefore, they’ve received a bit of positive variance, which has inflated their market rating. They’re even the shortest favorite for a No. 1 seed in a second-round matchup since 1996.
For context, Arkansas slots in at No. 318 overall. Granted, having Bill Self on your side in late-game situations doesn’t hurt, but he’ll miss this game after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. Self missed the entire Big 12 tournament because of it.
- Read more: raw offense vs. defense stats for Kansas vs. Arkansas
Beware Of The Hogs
Similar to Kansas, Arkansas possesses a top-15 AdjD rating. It was on full display against Illinois on Thursday, forcing 16 turnovers while its transition offense reaped the benefits. Although the Jayhawks’ half-court defense is crisp, they struggle most while aiming to slow down an opponent’s fast-break opportunities.
Moreover, the Razorbacks own a significant size advantage. Couple that with Kansas’ reliance on ball-screen sets, which Arkansas already defends at a top-15 efficiency. Overall, it generates the 48th-highest 2-point scoring rate in the process. But considering how well Arkansas prevents dribble penetration and protects the rim (17th-highest block rate in D-I), their length should should allow them to control the paint.
Don’t forget, Eric Musselman is one of college basketball’s premier coaches on short prep. We’ve witnessed that in the last two NCAA tournaments, as the Hogs have manufactured consecutive Elite Eight appearances. He’ll have the edge on the sidelines if Norm Roberts continues to take on Self’s duties.
If five-star frosh Nick Smith bounces back from his underwhelming debut in the Big Dance, expect the Hogs to win this one straight up. I already have an Arkansas futures bet to win the West Region.
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Kansas Sports Betting Promos
Below are the best Kansas sports betting promos for in-state residents. Check out TheLines’ March Madness odds page for national title futures and West Region odds.
