Howard Bison vs Kansas Jayhawks 3/16/2023 Game Analysis, Free Picks and Odds
Men’s Basketball Championship – West Region – 1st Round
On Thursday afternoon, the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines will play host to the first round of the Men’s Basketball Championship – West Region, featuring a matchup between the 16th-seeded Howard Bison (MEAC) and the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks (Big 12). Howard earned a spot in the tournament by winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with an impressive 22-12 overall record, including an 11-3 conference record. Riding high on a five-game winning streak, the Bison earned their spot in the tournament after narrowly defeating the Norfolk State Spartans 65-64 in the MEAC Tournament finals last Saturday, thanks to the standout performance of senior guard Jelani Williams, who scored 20 points.
On the offensive end, the Bison average 75.8 points, 35.0 rebounds, and 14.4 assists per game. They allow an average of 72.4 PPG but compensate with an average of 3.2 blocks and 7.3 steals per contest. Guard Elijah Hawkins leads the way for Howard with an average of 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per outing, while forward Steve Settle III contributes an average of 5.6 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game.
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of the Bison’s last 6 games played in March.
- The total went OVER in 6 of Howard’s last 7 games played on a Thursday.
- The Howard Bison is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games when playing as the underdog.
Howard Bison vs Kansas Jayhawks 3/16/2023 Game Analysis, Free Picks and Odds
Kansas, who finished the season with a 27-7 overall record and a 13-5 conference record, enters the tournament as the Big 12 Conference leaders. They won three of their last five games but suffered a heavy defeat against the 7th-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship finals, losing 56-76 on March 11. Junior forward Jalen Wilson led the Jayhawks’ offense with 24 points on 47.4% shooting, while guard Gradey Dick contributed 8 rebounds, including 6 on the defensive end.
The Jayhawks average 74.9 points, 37.0 rebounds, and 13.0 assists per game while giving up an average of 68.0 PPG. They average 3.5 blocks and 4.5 steals per game. Jalen Wilson is the key player for Kansas, averaging 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Gradey Dick contributes an average of 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The Bison will have to bring their A-game to have a chance against the formidable Jayhawks in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
- Kansas is 10-0 SU in their last 10 games played on a Thursday.
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the Jayhawks’ last 5 games as the favourite.
- The Bluejays are 17-0 SU in their last 17 games played on a Thursday at home.
No.16 Howard Bison vs. no.1 Kansas Jayhawks. The NCAAB Pick for this contest is the Howard Bison. Howard Bison is the underdog against the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks. The average 75.5 ppg compared to the Jayhawks’ 74.9. However, Howard comes into this contest with a lot of momentum, having won their last five games, including a thrilling one-point victory in the MEAC Tournament finals. On the other hand, Kansas has only won three of their last five games and suffered a 20-point loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship finals. Despite the odds, the prediction is that Howard will emerge victorious with an 85-61 win.
NCAAB Starting Time: 2:00 PM ET
Location: Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
TV: TBS
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Howard Bison +22.5
NCAAB Totals: 144.5
