Finally. After knocking on the Jayhawks’ door for years, with no answer, Wichita State took an axe and busted the door in (metaphorically speaking of course).
When the Shockers clawed their way to that win over the Hoosiers on Friday, it was their “Here’s Johnny” moment.
Here’s Wichita State
Kansas can’t hide behind the door any longer.
After years of pretending not to know them at those NCAA cocktail receptions, of forgetting to invite them to neighborhood block parties and explaining away no response to emails by muttering about new “spam” settings and “junk folders” – the gigs up.
The NCAA Tournament Committee accomplished something Wichita State hasn’t been able to arrange for 23 years; a matchup with Kansas.
And the timing couldn’t be better for the Shockers, because they might be the better team right now (although I have a bit more to say about that).
A Shocker win today won’t be a shocker at all (yeah, I know, a weak line, but when it’s that easy and obvious I feel obligated to toss it in somewhere, so bear with me).
This group at Wichita State are maybe the most cohesive unit in Div 1 hoops, with tons of tournament experience and all they do is go out and win games (this program has only been on the losing side of a handful of games over the last three years).
The line has been steadily moving to Wichita State, with Pinnacle Sports currently sitting at the Shockers -1.
It opened Kansas -1.5.
(You can check all the updated lines and the line history for every game with the Everyedge NCAA Tournament Odds Feed).
Kansas didn’t come into the tournament in top form, but did look good in their opener (while Wichita State struggled).
And if you take into account how the Big 12 have fared so far, which has been dreadful, that doesn’t bode well for the Jayhawks tonight.
But I still give the edge to Kansas. They’ve played the tougher schedule all year (facing 20 tournament teams vs. Wichita’s five), they’re longer and I expect Perry Ellis to be a real factor; as he gets healthier, he’ll play more minutes and will create matchup issues.
It’s been a long time coming for Wichita State and they’re primed to give Kansas all they can handle, but I still feel the Jayhawks have enough of the small edges and enough battle-testing to get the win.
NCAA Tournament Pick: I’m going with Kansas +1 in what should be an emotional battle. Looking forward to watching this one.
Good luck.
Be sure to duck into the Everyedge Sports Betting Forum to check out all the picks and conversation on today’s games.