Scoring has not been an issue for Kansas throughout the NCAA Tournament but that could change when the Jayhawks take on the Clemson Tigers in the Sweet 16 on Friday. Clemson has held its first two opponents of the tourney to an average of 60.5 points and a meager 32.0 shooting percentage.
Kansas’ offense is at its best when its four-guard lineup is able to keep opposing defenses off balance with center Udoka Azubuike carrying the load – safely – down low. Azubuike has been struggling due to injury throughout this tournament, which has forced somewhat undersized Mitch Lightfoot into a bigger role. And though it might not be optimal, the switch has worked well enough to get Kansas this far. The big question is what Devonte’ Graham are we going to get? Graham scored 29 points vs Penn but followed that up with an eight-point performance against Seton Hall in which the senior made one field goal.
It was fair to be worried about Clemson’s offense entering the tournament – I know I was – but the Tigers have put those concerns to rest. Clemson is averaging 81.5 points per game during the tourney – compared to just 73.8 during the regular season – while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor. Specifically, Gabe DeVoe has been great, scoring 22 points against both New Mexico State and Auburn while hitting 18 of his 28 shots.
Clemson Tigers vs Kansas Jayhawks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Kansas Jayhawks sit at 29-7 (19-16 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Clemson Tigers are currently 25-9 (19-12 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Kansas is 16-17-2 OU, and Clemson is 16-14-1 OU.
The Power Rankings at OddsShark show No. 135-rated Clemson taking on No. 155-rated Kansas in this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up Kansas's No. 25 nationally ranked offense (81.39 points per game) against a Clemson defense that sits as the No. 23 at 65.5 PPG. The Jayhawks have been averaging 49.61% from the field, more than the Tigers have managed so far this season (45.7% on average).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Clemson cruised to victory on Sunday, running Auburn out of the gym and running up an 84-53 score at Viejas Arena.
Malik Newman scored 28 points leading the Jayhawks to an 83-79 victory over Seton Hall at Intrust Bank Arena on Saturday.