Arkansas (20-13) vs Kansas (21-12)
- When: Mar 20 2025, 7:10 PM
- Where: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
Kansas vs. Arkansas – West Region First Round Preview
Spread: Kansas -5.0 | Total: 145.5
A high-profile coaching showdown takes center stage in Providence, Rhode Island, as No. 7 Kansas squares off against No. 10 Arkansas in the West Region’s opening round on Thursday. With Bill Self and John Calipari leading their respective squads, this matchup features two of college basketball’s most successful active coaches.
Both teams enter the tournament with 12+ losses, but their track record of postseason success makes them dangerous underdogs moving forward. The winner advances to face No. 2 St. John’s, likely setting up another legendary coaching duel with Rick Pitino.
Kansas: Looking to Regain Championship Form
Season Recap & Road to the Tournament
The Jayhawks (21-12) are unaccustomed to being a No. 7 seed, as they’ve never been lower than a No. 4 under Self’s tenure. However, a 5-6 finish down the stretch raised doubts about whether they could make another deep run.
Kansas boasts a balanced attack, but everything revolves around Hunter Dickinson. The veteran big man leads the team with 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game and gives the Jayhawks a strong inside presence.
Kansas’ struggles down the stretch shouldn’t be ignored, but Self has proven he can guide lower-seeded teams to deep tournament runs, as he did with No. 7 Tulsa reaching the Elite Eight in 2000.
Keys to Covering the Spread
Dominate the Paint: Kansas needs Dickinson to take control inside, forcing Arkansas into a half-court game.
Defensive Intensity: The Razorbacks love to push the pace, so Kansas must slow them down and force contested shots.
Avoid Turnovers: Arkansas thrives in transition, and Kansas can’t afford to give away easy points.
Prediction for Kansas
Kansas has more experience and a stronger interior presence. If they play disciplined and control the tempo, they should cover the spread and advance.
Arkansas: Dangerous Despite Inconsistencies
Season Recap & Road to the Tournament
Arkansas (20-13) had an up-and-down season, struggling at times but finishing strong in SEC play. Despite an early 0-5 start in conference play, they turned things around, thanks to DJ Wagner stepping up as the primary ball-handler.
The return of five-star freshman Boogie Fland could be a game-changer. After missing 16 games with a thumb injury, he’s back just in time for the tournament. He torched Kansas in the preseason exhibition with 22 points, six steals, and five assists, and if he can provide a spark, Arkansas could make things interesting.
Keys to Keeping It Close
Fast-Paced Offense: Arkansas needs to push the tempo and force Kansas into transition defense.
Disrupt Dickinson: The Razorbacks must double-team the Kansas big man and force others to beat them.
Limit Mistakes: Arkansas has been prone to sloppy possessions, but they must be efficient to pull off the upset.
Prediction for Arkansas
If Fland is at full strength, Arkansas could put pressure on Kansas early. However, Kansas’ size and experience should prevail, especially in crunch time.
Final Betting Take & Predictions:
Spread: Kansas -5.0 → Self’s experience in March gives them the edge in a tough battle.
Total: Under 145.5 → Both teams can score, but defensive adjustments should slow the pace late.
Best Bet: Kansas ML & Under Parlay → A controlled game benefits the Jayhawks.
Kansas secures a hard-fought win, moving on to a potential showdown with No. 2 St. John’s in the next round.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
