Howard Bison vs Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: NCAA Tournament First Round
After being passed over for Kansas City and given arguably the hardest of all the brackets, the Kansas Jayhawks have quite the task to repeat as National Champions this season. But that quest starts off with the Howard Bison in a 1 vs 16 matchup that will take place without Bill Self on the sideline.
Given the way that the conference tournament ended for the Jayhawks, it's safe to assume that they are going to come out fired up for this game. Will they be able to shake off first round jitters and win big? Or will this be the scare that propels them to a big run? Our crew weighs in below.
Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hop over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.
Kyle Davis
Check out our Howard Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.
Derek Noll
The road to a repeat starts against Howard and Kansas should be able to get it done rather easily. Kansas has the advantage at every position, and with Howard a team that turns it over at a semi alarming rate, Kansas has the opportunity to feast on fast break chances. I’m hoping KU can rest some players in the second half of the second half and get ready for the next opponent.
Kansas 88, Howard 66.
Brendan Dzwierzynski
I think the return of Kevin McCullar will play dividends immediately in this matchup. No, KU probably doesn’t need him to win. But against a team that shoots so many three pointers? It’ll be nice to have your best defender back. The Jayhawks should be able to guard the perimeter well enough to get plenty of transition opportunities, and we know how dangerous they are when that happens. I like Kansas to cruise in the opener.
Kansas 90, Howard 65.
Lucas Murphy
The Kansas Jayhawks will shake the rust off after a few days as they take on Howard I expect the Jayhawks to steamroll no real analysis.
Kansas 73, Howard 58.
Andy Mitts
There is not a ton to break down in this one, as Kansas is by far the superior team in terms of talent. There are really only two questions to answer today: Can Gradey Dick bust out of his slump for good, and will Kevin McCullar be able to come back at full strength?
Kansas won't need either of those things to happen in today's game to get the win, but they will need them moving forward, especially in the second weekend.
Kansas 87, Howard 59.
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