Samford vs. Kansas Picks and Predictions – Thursday, Mar. 21

Mar 9, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Dajuan Harris Jr. (3) before the game against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center.
Image Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Samford Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Samford Bulldogs hit the road to face the Kansas Jayhawks.

The Samford Bulldogs (29-5) are set to challenge the Kansas Jayhawks (22-10) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament matchup. With Samford’s impressive win record and Kansas’s recent struggles, this game could be a defining moment for both teams.

Samford Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks Odds Info

Moneyline: Samford Bulldogs +260 (Bet365) / Kansas Jayhawks -290 (DraftKings)

Spread: -7.5 – Samford Bulldogs -110 (Bet365) / Kansas Jayhawks -110 (Bet365)

Total: 154.0 – -110 (Bet365) / -110 (Bet365)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Mar. 21

Time: 08:55 PM

Location: Delta Center – Salt Lake City, UT

TV: TBS

Samford Bulldogs Betting Trends

  • On the road, Samford Bulldogs are 8 and 5 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Samford Bulldogs are 18 and 14.
  • Against the spread on the road, Samford Bulldogs are 7 and 6.

Kansas Jayhawks Betting Trends

  • At home, Kansas Jayhawks are 15 and 1 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Kansas Jayhawks are 13 and 18.
  • Against the spread at home, Kansas Jayhawks are 9 and 9.

Samford Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks Predictions

The Samford Bulldogs, boasting a stellar 29-5 season record, enter the NCAA Tournament with high hopes and a fast-paced offense that ranks 8th in average points per game at 86.0. Led by forward Achor Achor, who averages 15.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, the Bulldogs have proven they can score efficiently, holding the 13th spot in field goal percentage at 49.3%. Their aggressive full-court defense, which has been a cornerstone of their strategy, will be crucial as they face a Kansas team that has been inconsistent lately, losing four of their last five games.

Kansas Jayhawks, on the other hand, have had a challenging end to their season, marked by key injuries and a 1-game losing streak. The absence of leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr. due to a knee injury is a significant blow to their offense, which averages 75.3 points per game. However, they still have the playmaking abilities of Dajuan Harris Jr., who leads with 6.3 assists per game, and the inside presence of Hunter Dickinson, assuming he’s healthy enough to make an impact. The Jayhawks will need to leverage their 3rd-ranked average assists per game and their 21st-ranked field goal percentage to break through Samford’s defense.

This matchup will also be a battle of tempos, with Samford’s 14th-ranked adjusted tempo pitted against Kansas’s more moderate pace. The Bulldogs’ ability to force turnovers and their depth could pose problems for the Jayhawks, who rely heavily on a few key players. The game could come down to whether Kansas can control the pace and keep Samford from turning the game into a high-scoring affair. With both teams facing pressure to advance, it will be a test of resilience and strategy on the court.

Samford Bulldogs vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick

The Samford Bulldogs enter this matchup with a moneyline of +260, presenting a valuable opportunity for bettors. Their high-scoring offense and ability to push the pace make them a formidable opponent for the Kansas Jayhawks, who are currently on a 1-game losing streak and have struggled without their leading scorer, Kevin McCullar Jr. Samford’s aggressive defense, which thrives on creating turnovers, could exploit Kansas’s recent ball-handling issues, especially with McCullar’s absence. Additionally, Samford’s deep bench and fast-paced play could wear down a Kansas team that has relied heavily on a few key players, potentially leading to fatigue and mistakes.

While Kansas has the advantage of playing closer to home and a better overall win percentage, the current form and momentum favor the Bulldogs. Samford’s impressive 29-5 record and their performance against the spread on the road (7-6) suggest they are more than capable of handling the pressure of an away game. Considering the odds and the potential payout, a moneyline bet on the Samford Bulldogs is a calculated risk worth taking, especially in the unpredictable environment of the NCAA Tournament, where upsets are not just possible but expected.

The Pick: Samford Bulldogs +260 (Bet365)