Oregon Ducks vs Kansas Jayhawks Free Elite 8 Pick, 3–25–2017
Oregon Ducks (32–5) at Kansas Jayhawks (30–4)
NCAAB: Saturday March 25th, 8:49pm EST
Line: Kansas -7 | Featured Matchup by Peter Trell of King Sports Picks
The Oregon Ducks take on the Kansas Jayhawks in an Elite 8 matchup on Saturday night primetime television. Oregon had no issues taking out Iona in the 1st round, 93–77 but they were tested by a pesky Rhode Island team and most recently with Michigan in the Sweet 16. Kansas, on the other hand, has yet to be tested in the NCAA Tournament. They beat UC Davis 100–62, Michigan State 90–70 and most recently a very good Purdue team, 98–66.
Kansas has a very complete offense but the key to moving forward will be their ability to continue controlling the boards. They outrebounded Purdue, 36–29, and limited the Boilermakers to only nine offensive rebounds. Kansas’ top scorers this season are Frank Mason III (20.8 PPG: 4.1 RPG; 5.2 APG) and Josh Jackson (16.6 PPG; 7.1 RPG).
Kansas is 6–1 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games.
The Ducks are are lead offensively by Dillon Brooks (16.4 PPG; 3.1 RPG), Tyler Dorsey (14.0 PPG; 3.4 RPG) and Chris Boucher (11.8 PPG; 6.1 RPG). Oregon will need to play smart defense and keep the Jayhawks off the charity stripe. If they can manage to grab their fair share of boards and create second chance points they will hang tight with the Jayhawks.
Oregon is 9–3 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games, and 9–4–1 ATS in their last 14 NCAA Tournament games.
The Ducks were on the verge of upset twice in their last two games but they continue to win and that’s a trademark of championship teams. However, they can’t afford to get behind vs Kansas. The Jayhawks will be the best offense they have faced and I’m not sure they can survive and early setback. Kansas has looked very good and they may have too many weapons for the Ducks. I am going to lay the -7 points on Kansas and bank on them to continue their impressive Tournament run.
