The No. 5 Clemson Tigers (25-9) go head-to-head against the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (29-7) in the Sweet Sixteen at CenturyLink Center Omaha. The game gets underway at 7:07 p.m. ET on Friday, March 23, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 143 points with Kansas opening as a 4-point favorite.
Clemson Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks ATS Prediction
The Tigers will be looking for a similar outcome after blowing out the No. 4 Auburn Tigers in the Second Round, 84-53. Clemson had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.5 vs. 14.6) and held Auburn to an effective field goal percentage of 0.311 (below their season average of 0.514). Elijah Thomas fueled Clemson with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Second Round, the Jayhawks were victorious over the No. 8 Seton Hall Pirates, 83-79. The Jayhawks had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.321 (above their season average of 0.185) and had a better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 17.4). Malik Newman was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Kansas (14th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 116.9) takes on the elite defense of Clemson (26th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 97.6).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Elijah Thomas (11.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks) has been great for the Tigers while Malik Newman (17.8 points and 1.4 steals) has contributed greatly to the Jayhawks.
Clemson Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Clemson, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kansas ranks 13th in assists per game (16.9) while Clemson ranks 172nd (13.3).
The Tigers average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 27th in the nation. The Jayhawks rank 149th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Clemson averages 22.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 131st in the nation. Kansas ranks 246th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
The Tigers average 35.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 139th in the nation. The Jayhawks rank 173rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
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