Primer, Preview & LIVE Blog: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for BYU vs Kansas
It has been a resurgence for the Kansas Jayhawks in the final part of the season, as they come into the Big 12 Tournament on a three-game winning streak and having won 8 of their last 9 in Big 12 play. BYU is looking to try and extend their season after a disappointing first year in Big 12 play, but they are facing an opponent that they just haven't been able figure out this season.
Kansas is 2-0 against BYU all time, with both wins coming this season during Big 12 play.
With that, let's take a deep dive into today's game. Take a look at the essentials, then stick around for LIVE updates from the game:
The Numbers
Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics
Kansas: 18-11 (11-7 Big 12): CBB Analytics Adjusted Net Rating - 65th overall, 60th offense, 63rd defense
BYU: 16-15 (6-12 Big 12): Net Rating - 123rd overall, 128th offense, 141st defense
Line: KU -7.5
O/U: 128.5
How to Watch
Friday, March 8th, 5:30 p.m. CST
Kansas City, MO: T-Mobile Center
TV: Big 12 Now on ESPN+
- Brenda VanLengen (Play-by-Play), Sheryl Swoopes (Analyst)
Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network
- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst)
Webcast: Kansas Online Radio
Game Coverage
Listen to the latest episode of the Rock Chalk Podcast with Kansas play-by-play voice Steven Davis
Come join the conversation in the Blue Wings Rising Discord Server.
Opponent Team Form
Coming into each of the last two games between the Jayhawks and Cougars, it would be fair to say that BYU was struggling in their first season in a new conference. But in the last 5 games, it has been even worse. In that stretch, they have been one of the slowest teams in the nation, struggling to shoot and only being a bit better and keeping their opponent from scoring. They hit the offensive glass decently well and don't really turn the ball over, but they also can't stop their opponents from getting good shots and don't force many turnovers.
The only aspect of the game that they have improved on is allowing fast break opportunities and turning the ball over, two things that are heavily related.
Players to Watch
Lauren Gustin - 6'1" Senior Forward
Season: 17.3 pts, 15.4 rebs, 1.9 asts, 0.5 stls, 0.3 blks, 52.7% 2P%
Last 5: 21.4 pts, 15.4 rebs, 1.8 asts, 0.6 stls, 0.2 blks, 50.0% 2P%
Gustin has picked up the scoring pace in the last few games without seeing a big drop everywhere else. She is easily the biggest threat on the team, and even thought the Jayhawks focused on her in the last two games, she still got plenty of points and opportunities.
Kaylee Smiler - 5'8" Senior Guard
Season: 7.1 pts, 2.2 rebs, 3.8 asts, 1.4 stls, 1.1 blks, 47.0% 3P%
Last 5: 6.0 pts, 2.2 rebs, 3.0 asts, 1.2 stls, 1.2 blks 26.3% 3P%
Smiler isn't a huge scorer, but she has a very important role as a three point threat and a general utility player. But in the latest stretch, her efficiency and product has tailed off quite a bit. She is shooting an abysmal percentage from three, and the lack of options to replace her in that role is probably what keeps her in the lineup.
Amari Whiting - 5'10" Freshman Guard
Season: 10.4 pts, 4.9 rebs, 3.8 asts, 1.5 stls, 38.5% FG%
Last 5: 8.4 pts, 4.0 rebs, 3.8 asts, 1.4 stls, 26.4% FG%
I thought about putting another post player in this spot, but Whiting's importance to the team can't be understated. The shooting for the freshman point guard has absolutely tanked, and the rest of the production hasn't really elevated to make up the difference. She is taking almost two more shots a game but shooting significantly worse. Her production from the perimeter is going to have to increase greatly if BYU is going to pull an upset.
Matchups to Watch
There are two stats that I'm looking at tonight that will likely decide who wins this game:
Post Aggression
Kansas was successful in the first game by being aggressive in the paint and forcing BYU into tough defensive positions. The foul trouble that Emma Calvert dealt with all night made it nearly impossible to affect what Taiyanna Jackson was trying to do inside.
Perimeter Shooting
This seems obvious, but the Jayhawks flipped the script in Provo to win the game, as both Jackson and Danai Papadopoulou were in foul trouble all game long. But the outside scoring of Holly Kersgieter, Wyvette Mayberry and Zakiyah Franklin was able to make up the difference, both from beyond the arc and on drives to the paint. And the defensive effort, forcing BYU to shoot 3-18 on the night from beyond the arc, was enough to overcome a huge game from Gustin.
Prediction
I don't think Kansas actually needs this one to make the NCAA Tournament, but a win tonight and a competitive game against Texas should be more than enough to put the Jayhawks in the 7-10 seed range. Kansas has shown the ability to match up with BYU in multiple ways, and I think they use a bit of each to pull away early in the second half. And BYU hasn't even seen the best of S'mya Nichols yet.
Kansas 75, BYU 52.
