[9:25 PM] #11 Indiana v. #3 Kansas

Who will WIN this matchup?

#11 Indiana Hoosiers (0-0)

#3 Kansas Jayhawks (0-0)

 

Current odds:

Indiana Hoosiers: (+226)

Kansas Jayhawks: (-260)

 

• ESPN simulations have Kansas as 66.3% favorites to win the game.

• XX% of sports bets are currently on Kansas to win as (-260) favorites.

• The Jayhawks are led by the talented backcourt duo of senior Frank Mason III and junior Devonte’ Graham, and 6-8 freshman swingman Josh Jackson is expected to make an immediate impact.

• Indiana begins life without point guard Yogi Ferrell, who ran the show throughout most of the last four seasons, and are banking on steady improvement of several underclassmen. Bryant turned down a chance to go to the NBA after his freshman season and sophomore forward OG Anunoby had 25 points in an exhibition and could be a breakout player for the Hoosiers.

• The Hoosiers will replace Ferrell with Pittsburgh transfer Josh Newkirk, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.7 assists with the Panthers as a sophomore in 2014-15 and made 45 from 3-point range in two seasons. Bryant was solid in his first season, averaging 11.9 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 68.3 percent from the field.

• Graham and Mason combined to average 24.2 points and 8.3 assists a season ago and should get plenty of help from a talented lineup that includes 6-8 junior Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. Jackson is rated among the country’s top freshmen while 6-10 sophomore Carlton Bragg Jr. and sophomore guard Lagerald Vick are expected to provide more offense. Senior center Landen Lucas (5.8 points, 6.8 boards) is a key figure inside for the Jayhawks along with 6-9 Ole Miss transfer Dwight Coleby, who averaged 5.4 points for the Rebels in 2014-15.

• Graham made a team-high 75 shots from 3-point range last season, draining 44.1 percent of his attempts.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: #3 Kansas Jayhawks

Confidence: 5/10

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