- Matchup: California Baptist Lancers vs Kansas Jayhawks
- Event Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
- Venue: Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Odds: Kansas (-14)
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This Friday, the Kansas Jayhawks (23-10) will face off against the California Baptist Lancers (25-8) at Viejas Arena in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Kansas is currently favored by 14 points according to the odds, with the over/under set at 138.
In their last outing, the California Baptist Lancers secured a narrow 63-61 victory against Utah Valley. The Lancers posted a field goal percentage of 37.9%, hitting 22 out of 58 attempts, including 9 of 26 from beyond the arc. From the free-throw line, they were impressive, sinking 10 of 11 shots for a stellar 90.9% success rate. On the boards, California Baptist registered 29 rebounds, with 6 being offensive. Additionally, they provided 9 assists, forced 13 turnovers, and recorded 7 steals. Defensively, California Baptist held Utah Valley to a 44.0% shooting percentage from the field, allowing 22 made baskets on 50 attempts. Utah Valley managed 11 assists and 6 steals, and secured 28 rebounds (8 offensive, 20 defensive), failing to register any blocks. Their free-throw shooting was less effective at 58.3%, converting 14 of 24 attempts, and they made 3 out of 8 attempts from three-point range. The Lancers committed 20 personal fouls compared to Utah Valley’s 11.
Dominique Daniels Jr. stood out in this contest, scoring 23 points on 7 of 25 shooting. He logged 40 minutes on the court and managed to grab 1 rebound, achieving a shooting percentage of 28.0% while also contributing 3 assists.
California Baptist heads into this game with a season record of 25-8. They average 12.4 turnovers and commit 18.7 fouls per game. The Lancers collect an average of 39.9 rebounds per contest and have accumulated 341 assists this season, which ranks them 354th nationally in assists. They hit 33.7% of their three-point attempts (212 of 629) and boast a free-throw percentage of 71.9%. Offensively, they average 73.0 points per game, ranking 257th in the nation, while converting 43.2% of their field-goal attempts.
On defense, the Lancers force an average of 11.7 turnovers per game while committing 18.0 fouls. They rank 22nd nationally in assists allowed, with 358 assists relinquished this season. Defensively, California Baptist permits a shooting percentage of 41.7% and allows 32.6 rebounds per game. Opponents are hitting 29.7% of their three-point attempts, and the Lancers rank 37th in points allowed per game (67.6).
In their last encounter, the Kansas Jayhawks fell to Houston, losing 69-47. The Jayhawks gathered 20 defensive rebounds and 13 offensive boards, totaling 33 on the day. They turned the ball over 8 times while achieving 3 steals. Houston committed 15 fouls, sending the Jayhawks to the line for 18 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 12 for a completion rate of 66.7%. Kansas made 7 of 23 attempts from three-point range (30.4%). The Jayhawks struggled from the field, finishing with a completion rate of 24.6% (14 of 57). Houston shot 41.5% from the floor, making 22 out of 53 attempts, including a remarkable 55.6% from three-point range (10 of 18). Kansas allowed Houston to snag a total of 40 rebounds (10 offensive).
Darryn Peterson was pivotal for the Jayhawks during this game, achieving a field goal percentage of 27.3% by scoring 3 out of 11 attempts, along with 4 rebounds, totaling 14 points in 28 minutes, and accumulating 1 assist.
This year, Kansas holds a record of 23-10. The Jayhawks average 14.4 fouls per game and excel at the free-throw line with a 76.7% success rate. They record an average of 14.3 assists per game (147th in college) while averaging 10.7 turnovers. Kansas has scored a total of 2,496 points this season, averaging 75.6 points per game, and they collect 38.8 rebounds per contest. Offensively, the Jayhawks’ shooting percentage is 45.3%, which places them at 176th nationally.
Defensively, the Jayhawks rank 60th in college basketball for points allowed per game, surrendering 69.4 points. They force 9.6 turnovers on average and limit opponents to a shooting percentage of 38.8% (6th in college). Kansas allows their opponents to convert 30.7% of their three-point shots and has permitted 69.4% free-throw shooting by opponents, while surrendering 11.8 assists and 36.6 rebounds per game, ranking them 57th and 308th, respectively.
Who will triumph in tonight’s NCAA game against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Kansas (-14)
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