The injury loss of scoring leader Kevin McCullar Jr. definitely hurts the Jayhawks' long-term outlook. But with Hunter Dickinson back in the fold, they should have more than enough to cruise past a Samford club that has some firepower but was clobbered on the few occasions it stepped outside of its weight class.

I fully expect there to be a game day rise on the Kansas spread, so lock in this number now. The Jayhawks may be undermanned but still have carry over talent from their title two years ago with Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams. Samford also lacks a go to scorer outside of Achor Achor, who I believe Kansas will limit. Additionally, the Bulldogs need to be able to run to have success. They ranked seventh in the country in fast break points. Expect Kansas to attack the weaknesses of the Bulldogs defensively. Lay it with the Jayhawks.

I dont like this draw for Kansas, from where the game is being played to when its being played. They lack depth and quality right now, with their big man out. They weren't a special team this season, and appear like an outfit that knows they can't challenge for a title. Short bench. Didn't get as much out of transfers as they'd hoped. 3-7 ATS their last 10. Samford will be game with nothing to lose and I anticipate a slow start by the Hawks keeping this a close game throughout.

This is an opportune spot for the Bulldogs. Samford presses at the second-highest rate in the nation, and Kansas ranks among the 10 worst teams in tournament in point per possession against the press. The Jayhawks have no depth as they deal with injuries, and they’re playing in altitude, so they could get tired quickly. Samford also plays zone at the 2nd-highest rate in country. Kansas grades well against zone but in a small sample size, and avoids taking 3s. Note this is a sprinkle, not a full unit play.