Howard vs Kansas ended up being a more competitive game than people expected, with the Bisons sticking around in the first half.
The Jayhawks showed great two-way ability, and really locked in on the defensive end towards the end of the first half. They are a very well-rounded team and showed that even with a slow start, they can still dominate.
Arkansas had a very impressive first-round win against Illinois. Despite the Razorbacks’ youth, head coach Eric Musselman always has his guys ready to go into battle.
They are an incredibly strong defensive team, but will need to put together some consistent offense if they want to stick around in this one.
Read on for my Kansas vs Arkansas prediction and best bets.
Stuart Durst March Madness Betting Record: 4-6 (-0.88 units)
Kansas vs Arkansas Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Kansas vs Arkansas were used from FanDuel Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of Friday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Kansas (-170) • Arkansas (+130)
- Spread: Kansas -3.5 (-110) • Arkansas +3.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 143.5 (-110) • Under 143.5 (-110)
Kansas vs Arkansas Pick of the Day
Keep reading for more Kansas vs Arkansas betting tips.
Kansas vs Arkansas Prediction
Kansas 71, Arkansas 67
This game is going to be fun, especially if you’re an NBA fan excited about some young guys who could turn pro sooner than later. Arkansas is extremely young, with the freshman trio of Nick Smith Jr., Anthony Black, and Jordan Walsh impressing on both sides of the ball.
Kansas has rookie phenom Gradey Dick paired with the experience of Jalen Wilson and Dajuan Harris Jr., which I think gives them the slight advantage in this game. Both teams are extremely strong on the defensive side, but I trust Kansas to score more when it matters.
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Kansas vs Arkansas Best Bets
Under 144.5 (-115) • BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
This number is a little inflated due to the Kansas vs Howard matchup. Kansas came out undisciplined, but turned things around and showed why they are the seventh-ranked defensive team in the nation.
Arkansas isn’t too far behind, ranked 13th in the nation on defense, and they proved their defensive prowess against Illinois in the Round of 64. But here’s the big problem with this Arkansas team: they can’t shoot the three.
They beat Illinois shooting 3-for-11 from deep, and that’s not an isolated incident considering they only made three and five from beyond the arc in their conference tournament matchups.
It hasn’t hurt them to-date, but against a strong defense like Arkansas, I think they will struggle more as the game progresses.
Kansas vs Arkansas Same Game Parlay
Kansas vs Arkansas SGP (+150) • BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
- Kansas Moneyline (-185)
- Gradey Dick: 2+ 3PM (-240)
- Arkansas: Under 74.5 Total Points (-245)
While Arkansas will give Kansas a good fight, the Jayhawks’ experience will help close this one out. I don’t expect either team to clear the 75-point mark, and if Kansas wins, it’s very unlikely it’s in a super high-paced matchup.
Gradey Dick cashed 2+ 3PM for us in the first round, and we’re going right back to the same well here. Wilson should get the tougher coverage, and Dick has hit two or more threes in eight of his last 10 games, shooting 40.3% on the season.
Kansas vs Arkansas Props
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