Bluejays vs Jayhawks: Game Predictions

The Kansas Jayhawks had an easy game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and now they are set to take on the Creighton Bluejays in Round 2. Creighton made it through the first round against the San Diego State Aztecs, but suffered a serious injury to 7'1" center Ryan Kalkbrenner. His unavailability could be a huge factor in determining how simple this game is for the Jayhawks.

Will Kansas be able to take advantage of the shorter roster for the Bluejays and cruise to an easy victory? Or will Creighton rally around their injured teammate and score one of the biggest upsets of the Tournament so far?

Our crew gets together to tell you what we think you can expect to see today.

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Brendan Dzwierzynski: I understand that it was just Texas Southern, and I know opening-round games aren’t great for predicting future performance, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by the first game of the NCAA tournament for Kansas. Frankly, if Remy Martin is playing as well as he has lately, this team’s ceiling is so much higher. Creighton is in a bind without Kalkbrenner, so I’m looking for plenty of work and success inside for the Jayhawks. I’ve got KU on to the second weekend.

Kansas 70, Creighton 60.

Lucas Murphy: The Kansas Jayhawks put on a clinic against Texas Southern. KU showed why they deserved a one seed in this tournament, and if they continue to get contributions from Remy Martin, this team could seal their path to the Final Four. Before I get ahead of myself, the next game is against Creighton. Creighton is banged up and dealing with numerous injuries. If Kansas can continue to play their style of basketball and lead in the major categories, I would expect an easy victory.

Kansas 76, Creighton 67

Kyle Davis: Lots of fans celebrated when Creighton beat San Diego State, and the fact that the Blue Jays had to do it in overtime helps. But KU still can’t take Creighton lightly. Though the loss of 7’1” center Ryan Kalkbrenner will make this task even taller for the Blue Jays. McCormack now has an advantage down low, and if we get the Dave performance from the Big 12 title game, Kansas will advance to the second weekend with a little room to spare.

Kansas 74, Creighton 66

Derek Noll: Getting Remy playing like this at this time is just about as perfectly timed as anything that has happened to KU in the postseason. More please. Looking for big performances from Dave and Jalen Wilson down low in this game. Plus, giving Mitch some time off will benefit him against Creighton’s depleted front line. Looking for Kansas to win rather easily.

Kansas 80, Creighton 67.

Andy Mitts: It seemed like everything got checked off the first round wishlist for Jayhawk fans in Thursday's game except one: getting Ochai Agbaji going. He only had 11 points on 14 shots, and finished with 5 turnovers.

It's extremely likely that the Jayhawks don't need Ochai to have a big game to win this one against Creighton, especially given the injury issues for the Bluejays. However, I don't think anyone connected to the team wants Agbaji losing any confidence, especially since they will need him starting next weekend in order to make a run to the Final Four.

It's likely that Creighton will have so many things to worry about in this game without Kalkbrenner that it's bound to open some things up for Ochai. He should be able to take advantage and build some momentum for the Sweet 16. It should be a relatively stress-free night for the entire team as they head back to Lawrence to prepare for Chicago next week.

Kansas 78, Creighton 62

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