The Kansas Jayhawks are stepping into the NCAA Tournament spotlight with a hefty 92.6% win probability against the Cal Baptist Lancers. As the No. 4 seed, Kansas is looking to make a statement in their Friday night Round of 64 matchup at Viejas Arena.
The Lancers, despite their strong finish to the season, are seen as long shots with just a 7.4% chance to pull off an upset. Tipoff is at 8:45 p.m.
CT on CBS.
Kansas, boasting a 23-10 record, is eager to shake off the memory of last year’s first-round exit. Leading the charge is freshman sensation Darryn Peterson, who’s been lighting up the scoreboard with 19.8 points per game.
He’s backed by a solid supporting cast, including sharpshooter Tre White, who’s hitting 42.1% from beyond the arc while adding 13.8 points per game. Inside, Flory Bidunga is a force, averaging 13.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, anchoring the defense.
The Jayhawks have shown they can handle top-tier competition, notching victories over Arizona and Iowa State and finishing third in the competitive Big 12. Their 5-2 record on neutral courts adds another layer of confidence as they head into tournament play.
Cal Baptist, with a 25-8 record, is making its NCAA Tournament debut on the back of a six-game winning streak, having clinched the WAC Tournament. Dominique Daniels Jr. is the heart of their offense, pouring in 23.2 points per game and ranking among the nation’s top scorers.
Yet, the Lancers face a daunting task. They sit outside the top 100 in KenPom rankings and rely heavily on a slower pace and strong defense to compete. This strategy might struggle against a Kansas team seasoned by high-stakes games.
For Kansas, a quick start could be crucial. Recent games have seen them stumble out of the gate, a vulnerability that could allow an underdog to hang around. However, if they seize control early, their depth and talent could put the game out of reach swiftly.
All eyes will be on whether Cal Baptist can channel some March magic, but the Jayhawks are primed and ready to assert their dominance.