Blue Blood college basketball status has long belonged to the Kansas Jayhawks. With 14 Final Fours in their history KU reeks with tradition and history. Clemson is a school that epitomizes powerhouse championship football. Basketball has long been an afterthought at this marquee football school. This weekend the script and focus changes for the Tigers. For at least one-night basketball is King at the University of Clemson. With just one Elite Eight in 1980 they lack the Jayhawks success. But history can be made on Friday night with the NCAA basketball championship odds. Kansas meets Clemson in the Sweet Sixteen.
Clemson Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Date and Time: Friday, March 23, 2018, 6:07 p.m. Eastern
Location: CenturyLink Center Omaha, Nebraska
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | +4½ (-110) | 143 (-110) |  |
| Kansas | -4½ (-110) | 143 (-110) | |
| |||
Tigers vs. Jayhawks TV Coverage: CBS
Clemson
Clemson has the hot hand with the NCAA basketball championship odds. Five payouts in their last six games show top betting value. Over the total has paid in three of their last four games. New Mexico State was their opening round victim in a 79-68 payout. Auburn was next with an 84-53 blowout loss to Clemson. Defensively the Tigers are of championship caliber. Nationally they rank 26th for points allowed. Middle of the road is an offense that ranks 173rd in the country. On average Clemson outscores opponents 74-66. With 19 covers in 31 lined games they bring proven value.
Kansas
Kansas is often an online wagering overlay as a marquee public team. Lately however the Jayhawks have covered seven of their last ten. Under the total has hit in just one of their previous five games. KU scored a 76-60 payout over Penn in the first round. Following that was an 83-79 win over Seton Hall as 4.5-point chalks. Opposite of Clemson, the Jayhawks use high octane offense to trigger success. Offensively Kansas ranks 29th in the country for scoring. Meanwhile on the defensive end they rank 138th nationally. Averaging a score of 81-71 per game Kansas lights it up.
Big Names on Court
Redshirt junior guard Marcquise Reed is the top scorer for Clemson with 16 points per game. Junior forward Elijah Thomas powers for eight rebounds per outing. Thomas dominated with 18 points and 11 rebounds vs. Auburn. Jayhawk Senior guard Devonte Graham is an impressive catalyst. Graham leads KU with 17 points and eight assists per game. He pumped in 28 points in the win over Penn.
Coach vs. Coach
Head coach Bill Self of Kansas is top shelf in every way. Now in his 15th season at Kansas he has a national title and two Final Fours. Additionally, KU is coming off back to back elite eight seasons. Clemson coach Brad Brownell started the season on one of the country’s hottest seats. Turning the entire program around this season he is now looking at an extension.
Matchup to Watch
Sweet Sixteen action is often a reality check for Cinderella teams like Clemson. Kansas is peaking with the NCAA basketball championship odds. Certainly, the Clemson run this spring has impressed. But Kansas has superior firepower and depth. Beyond that the Jayhawks are in great wagering form themselves.
Tigers vs. Jayhawks NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Clemson has faced few offenses as potent as Kansas. Self and Graham should get KU to the Elite Eight!
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Kansas Jayhawks
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Jayhawks 84, Tigers 71