Preview: Arkansas vs. Kansas

Game	Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Date:	March 18th, 2023 5:25 PM
TV:	CBS

Preview

Arkansas Offense vs. Kansas Defense

The Razorbacks are ranked 42nd nationally in Bart Torvik’s adjusted offensive efficiency ratings. Arkansas shoots 53.7 percent on twos and 31.7 percent on threes for a 52 effective field goal percentage.

Kansas defense is ranked 12th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents shoot 47.2 percent on twos and 31.2 percent on threes for a 47.1 effective field goal percentage against the Jayhawks.

Basics

According to KenPom, Arkansas ranked 327th nationally in luck, meaning that their adjusted efficiency margin stats indicate they should have a better record and have come up short in close games.
The Razorbacks are one of the biggest teams in the NCAA Tournament with an average height of 78.8 inches according to KenPom.com.
Arkansas plays as fast as any team in the country. The Razorbacks average 70 possessions per game. Kansas also loves to play fast and averages 71 possessions per game
Arkansas does a great job of getting to the free-throw line. The Razorbacks attempt 39 free throws per 100 field goal attempts.
Arkansas is one of the worst free-throw shooting teams in college hoops, making just 69 percent of its freebies.

Extra Possessions

Kansas is one of the best teams in the country at forcing turnovers. KU forces giveaways on 20.2 percent of offensive possessions while Arkansas turns it over on 18.3 percent of its possessions this season.
Arkansas does a terrific job turning defense into offense. The Razorbacks score 16.2 points points per game off of turnovers.

Shot Profile

Arkansas’s offensive attack is interior-focused. The Razorbacks only attempt 28 percent of their shots from 3-point range. That lack of volume perimeter shooting is for the best because Arkansas shoots just 32 percent from long distance.
Arkansas dominates the paint. The Razorbacks score 37.4 points and allow 30.9 points per game in the paint, outscoring teams by 6.5 points per game. Kansas has also been great inside this year, outscoring opponents by 5.0 points per game in the paint.
Arkansas offense doesn’t have a single player shooting 38% or better from 3-point range with over 50 attempts.
Arkansas is one of the best teams in the country at finishing around the basket. The Razorbacks shoot 62 percent at the rim and Kansas allows 54 percent shooting inside of five feet.
Arkansas’s offense is heavy on mid-range jumpers. The Razorbacks attempt 26 percent of their shots from the mid-range and connect at a 37 percent clip.

Style

Kansas defense excels at preventing assisted field goals and forcing one-on-one play with a style of “no help” defense popularized by Luke Yaklich. The Jayhawks only allow their opponents to record assists on 46.2 percent of made baskets.
Arkansas offense is built around the ball screen and averages 27.6 points per game out of ball screens at 0.89 points per ball screen play. Kansas defense is fairly average containing ball screen looks, allowing 0.76 points per ball screen play.

Kansas Offense vs. Arkansas Defense

The Jayhawks are ranked 29th nationally in Bart Torvik’s adjusted offensive efficiency ratings. Kansas shoots 52.9 percent on twos and 34.4 percent on threes for a 52.4 effective field goal percentage.

Arkansas defense is ranked 13th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents shoot 46.9 percent on twos and 30.6 percent on threes for a 46.5 effective field goal percentage against the Razorbacks.

Basics

Kansas offense enters the tournament on a cold streak. Over the last 30 days, the Jayhawks are ranked 83rd in adjusted offensive efficiency compared to 29th for the year.
Arkansas defense needs to get back on track in the NCAA Tournament. Over the last 30 days, the Razorbacks are ranked 34th in adjusted defensive efficiency compared to 13th overall.
According to KenPom, Kansas is one of the “luckier” teams in the field, ranked 10th nationally in luck, meaning that they’ve won more games than their adjusted efficiency margin stats would indicate.
Kansas plays as fast as any team in the country. The Jayhawks average 71 possessions per game. Arkansas also loves to play fast and averages 70 possessions per game
Arkansas can get into trouble given its tendency to commit fouls. The Razorbacks send their opponents to the free-throw line 39 times per 100 shot attempts. That’s one of the worst rates in the country and Kansas gets to the stripe 30 times per 100 field goal attempts.

Extra Possessions

Arkansas is one of the best teams in the country at forcing turnovers. ARK forces giveaways on 20.4 percent of offensive possessions while Kansas turns it over on 17.5 percent of its possessions this season.
Kansas does a terrific job turning defense into offense. The Jayhawks score 15.9 points points per game off of turnovers.
Kansas is unique because its guards are aggressive on the offensive glass. Perimeter players account for 25.1 percent of the Jayhawks’ offensive boards. That should put extra pressure on Arkansas perimeter players to clean up the glass.

Shot Profile

Arkansas excels at preventing 3-point shot attempts. Its opponents only attempt 31 percent of their shots from 3-point range and make 31 percent of those attempts. On the year, Kansas is shooting 35 from outside and attempts 34 percent of its shots from long distance.
Kansas dominates the paint. The Jayhawks score 35.1 points and allow 30.1 points per game in the paint, outscoring teams by 5.0 points per game. Arkansas has also been great inside this year, outscoring opponents by 6.5 points per game in the paint.
Arkansas defense excels around the bucket, allowing 51 percent shooting within five-feet of the rim. Kansas is generally a great finishing team, making 61 percent of its shots at the bucket — setting up a key battle inside.

Style

Kansas has an elite transition offense and scores 13.3 points per game in transition, while Arkansas transition defense has been run of the mill and allows 10.5 points per game in transition.
Kansas is one of the better passing teams in the country and 59.5 percent of its made field goals are assisted this season. On the other side, Arkansas defense excels at preventing assisted field goals and forcing one-on-one play. The Razorbacks only allow their opponents to record assists on 44.2 percent of made baskets.
Kansas offense is built around the ball screen and averages 29.5 points per game out of ball screens at 0.89 points per ball screen play. Arkansas defense is fairly average containing ball screen looks, allowing 0.78 points per ball screen play.
Kansas offense incorporates more off-ball actions and screens than the average Division I team. The Jayhawks score 9.6 points per game off of off-ball actions at 1.04 points per play. Arkansas defense excels at defending off-ball sets, allowing just 0.90 points per play.

Bottom Line

Bart Torvik lists Kansas as a 72-71 favorite, giving the Jayhawks a 55 percent chance of advancing.

ARK Personnel

#1 Ricky Council

Role: Secondary Ball Handler
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 205 lbs

Mid-Range Specialist Gets to the Line Avoids Turnovers

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
15.9	3.4	2.3	106.2	23.8%	48.5%

❄️❄️❄️: Council is averaging 9.3 points per game over the last 3 games. That’s 6.6 points below his season average.

#0 Anthony Black

Role: Primary Ball Handler
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 198 lbs

Distributor Turnover Prone Pick Pocket Gets to the Line Minutes Logger

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
12.8	5.1	4.2	102.2	22.6%	51%

#4 Davonte Davis

Role: Secondary Ball Handler
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 185 lbs

Glue Guy Mid-Range Specialist Catch and Shoot Takes Tough Shots

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
10.5	4.2	2.7	98.0	18.1%	48.2%

❄️❄️❄️: Davis is averaging 6.7 points per game over the last 3 games. That’s 3.9 points below his season average.

#13 Jordan Walsh

Role: Tall Spot Up Wing
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 205 lbs

Smart Shot Selection Avoids Turnovers

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
7.2	4.1	1	105.2	15.8%	49.2%

#15 Makhi Mitchell

Role: Versatile Big
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 230 lbs

Finisher Rim Protector Non Shooter Offensive Rebounder Defensive Rebounder Gets to the Line Efficient Shooter

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
7.1	5.5	1.2	126.3	15.9%	67%

🔥🔥🔥: Mitchell is averaging 9.7 points per game over the last 3 games. That’s 2.5 points above his season average.

KU Personnel

#10 Jalen Wilson

Role: Spot Up Wing
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 225 lbs

Off Screen Shooter Mid-Range Specialist Defensive Rebounder Takes Tough Shots Mega Usage Minutes Logger Avoids Turnovers

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
20.1	8.4	2.3	104.8	28.5%	48.6%

#4 Gradey Dick

Role: Movement Wing
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 205 lbs

Glue Guy Off Screen Shooter Pick Pocket Off the Dribble Shooter Catch and Shoot Avoids Turnovers Efficient Shooter Above 80% FT

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
14.1	4.9	1.6	114.0	19.2%	54.7%

#24 KJ Adams

Role: Finishing Big
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 225 lbs

Finisher Roll Man Non Shooter Gets to the Line Cut and Finish Efficient Shooter Below 65% FT

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
10.4	4.4	2	115.4	18.7%	63.1%

#15 Kevin McCullar

Role: Tall Spot Up Wing
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 210 lbs

Pick Pocket Defensive Rebounder Gets to the Line

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
10.7	7.1	2.3	101.7	19.7%	48.9%

❄️❄️❄️: McCullar is averaging 5.7 points per game over the last 3 games. That’s 5 points below his season average.

#3 Dajuan Harris

Role: Primary Ball Handler
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 175 lbs

Distributor Glue Guy Pick Pocket Catch and Shoot Efficient Shooter Below 65% FT

Pts	Reb	Ast	ORtg	Usage	eFG%
8.7	2.4	6.2	111.3	16.5%	52.7%

ATS

Kansas ATS Performance

This Season

Kansas is 17-19-0 against the spread this year. The over has hit in 17 of 36 Kansas games (47.2%) this season.

Kansas is 4-5-0 against the spread at neutral sites this year. The over has hit in 3 of Kansas 9 games on neutral floors (33.3%) this season.

Date	Opp	Result	Spread	Cover	By	Total	Over	By
11/7/2022	Omaha	W, 89-64	-32	L	-7	148.5	OVER	4.5
11/10/2022	North Dakota State	W, 82-59	-24.5	L	-1.5	142.5	UNDER	-1.5
11/15/2022	vs. Duke	W, 69-64	-1.5	W	3.5	144.5	UNDER	-11.5
11/18/2022	Southern Utah	W, 82-76	-23	L	-17	148.5	OVER	9.5
11/23/2022	vs. NC State	W, 80-74	-8	L	-2	152.5	OVER	1.5
11/24/2022	vs. Wisconsin	W, 69-68	-5	L	-4	132	OVER	5
11/25/2022	vs. Tennessee	L, 50-64	2	L	-12	135	UNDER	-21
11/28/2022	Texas Southern	W, 87-55	-23	W	9	138	OVER	4
12/1/2022	Seton Hall	W, 91-65	-7.5	W	18.5	135.5	OVER	20.5
12/10/2022	at Missouri	W, 95-67	-3.5	W	24.5	160.5	OVER	1.5
12/17/2022	Indiana	W, 84-62	-6	W	16	142.5	OVER	3.5
12/22/2022	Harvard	W, 68-54	-21.5	L	-7.5	138.5	UNDER	-16.5
12/31/2022	Oklahoma State	W, 69-67	-10	L	-8	138.5	UNDER	-2.5
1/3/2023	at Texas Tech	W, 75-72	-1.5	W	1.5	140.5	OVER	6.5
1/7/2023	at West Virginia	W, 76-62	-2	W	12	143	UNDER	-5
1/10/2023	Oklahoma	W, 79-75	-10	L	-6	134.5	OVER	19.5
1/14/2023	Iowa State	W, 62-60	-8.5	L	-6.5	133	UNDER	-11
1/17/2023	at Kansas State	L, 82-83	-2.5	L	-3.5	147.5	OVER	17.5
1/21/2023	TCU	L, 60-83	-7	L	-30	145.5	UNDER	-2.5
1/23/2023	at Baylor	L, 69-75	3.5	L	-2.5	149.5	UNDER	-5.5
1/28/2023	at Kentucky	W, 77-68	2.5	W	11.5	140	OVER	5
1/31/2023	Kansas State	W, 90-78	-7	W	5	146.5	OVER	21.5
2/4/2023	at Iowa State	L, 53-68	-1	L	-16	135.5	UNDER	-14.5
2/6/2023	Texas	W, 88-80	-4	W	4	146.5	OVER	21.5
2/11/2023	at Oklahoma	W, 78-55	-3.5	W	19.5	141	UNDER	-8
2/14/2023	at Oklahoma State	W, 87-76	-2	W	9	139.5	OVER	23.5
2/18/2023	Baylor	W, 87-71	-3.5	W	12.5	153.5	OVER	4.5
2/20/2023	at TCU	W, 63-58	-1	W	4	147.5	UNDER	-26.5
2/25/2023	West Virginia	W, 76-74	-9.5	L	-7.5	150.5	UNDER	-0.5
2/28/2023	Texas Tech	W, 67-63	-9	L	-5	145.5	UNDER	-15.5
3/4/2023	at Texas	L, 59-75	3	L	-13	148.5	UNDER	-14.5
3/9/2023	vs. West Virginia	W, 78-61	-3	W	14	149.5	UNDER	-10.5
3/10/2023	vs. Iowa State	W, 71-58	-4.5	W	8.5	130.5	UNDER	-1.5
3/11/2023	vs. Texas	L, 56-76	-1.5	L	-21.5	142	UNDER	-10
3/16/2023	vs. Howard	W, 96-68	-21.5	W	6.5	145.5	OVER	18.5
3/18/2023	vs. Arkansas	L, 71-72	-4	L	-5	145.5	UNDER	-2.5

Head to Head

Kansas is 0-1-0 against the spread when it plays against Arkansas in recorded games since 2023. The over has hit in 0 out of 1 recorded head-to-head games (0%).

Date	Opp	Result	Spread	Cover	By	Total	Over	By
3/18/2023	vs. Arkansas	L, 71-72	-4	L	-5	145.5	UNDER	-2.5

Arkansas ATS Performance

This Season

Arkansas is 19-16-0 against the spread this year. The over has hit in 14 of 35 Arkansas games (40%) this season.

Arkansas is 7-2-0 against the spread at neutral sites this year. The over has hit in 4 of Arkansas 9 games on neutral floors (44.4%) this season.

Date	Opp	Result	Spread	Cover	By	Total	Over	By
11/7/2022	North Dakota State	W, 76-58	-21.5	L	-3.5	142	UNDER	-8
11/11/2022	Fordham	W, 74-48	-19.5	W	6.5	138.5	UNDER	-16.5
11/16/2022	South Dakota State	W, 71-56	-14	W	1	152.5	UNDER	-25.5
11/21/2022	vs. Louisville	W, 80-54	-15	W	11	138.5	UNDER	-4.5
11/22/2022	vs. Creighton	L, 87-90	-1.5	L	-4.5	140.5	OVER	36.5
11/23/2022	vs. San Diego State	W, 78-74	1	W	5	141.5	OVER	10.5
11/28/2022	Troy	W, 74-61	-18.5	L	-5.5	140	UNDER	-5
12/3/2022	San José St	W, 99-58	-19	W	22	137	OVER	20
12/6/2022	UNC Greensboro	W, 65-58	-19.5	L	-12.5	135	UNDER	-12
12/10/2022	vs. Oklahoma	W, 88-78	-2.5	W	7.5	133.5	OVER	32.5
12/17/2022	vs. Bradley	W, 76-57	-11	W	8	135	UNDER	-2
12/21/2022	UNC Asheville	W, 85-51	-21	W	13	151.5	UNDER	-15.5
12/28/2022	at LSU	L, 57-60	-5.5	L	-8.5	144	UNDER	-27
1/4/2023	Missouri	W, 74-68	-7.5	L	-1.5	155.5	UNDER	-13.5
1/7/2023	at Auburn	L, 59-72	2	L	-11	141	UNDER	-10
1/11/2023	Alabama	L, 69-84	1	L	-14	148.5	OVER	4.5
1/14/2023	at Vanderbilt	L, 84-97	-5.5	L	-18.5	147.5	OVER	33.5
1/18/2023	at Missouri	L, 76-79	-1.5	L	-4.5	156.5	UNDER	-1.5
1/21/2023	Ole Miss	W, 69-57	-8.5	W	3.5	138.5	UNDER	-12.5
1/24/2023	LSU	W, 60-40	-11.5	W	8.5	140.5	UNDER	-40.5
1/28/2023	at Baylor	L, 64-67	6.5	W	3.5	143.5	UNDER	-12.5
1/31/2023	Texas A&M	W, 81-70	-3	W	8	137	OVER	14
2/4/2023	at South Carolina	W, 65-63	-13	L	-11	138	UNDER	-10
2/7/2023	at Kentucky	W, 88-73	5.5	W	20.5	140	OVER	21
2/11/2023	Mississippi State	L, 64-70	-6.5	L	-12.5	129.5	OVER	4.5
2/15/2023	at Texas A&M	L, 56-62	3	L	-3	141.5	UNDER	-23.5
2/18/2023	Florida	W, 84-65	-6	W	13	139	OVER	10
2/21/2023	Georgia	W, 97-65	-13	W	19	142	OVER	20
2/25/2023	at Alabama	L, 83-86	8.5	W	5.5	153	OVER	16
2/28/2023	at Tennessee	L, 57-75	6.5	L	-11.5	134	UNDER	-2
3/4/2023	Kentucky	L, 79-88	-5	L	-14	141	OVER	26
3/9/2023	vs. Auburn	W, 76-73	1.5	W	4.5	144	OVER	5
3/10/2023	vs. Texas A&M	L, 61-67	1	L	-5	137.5	UNDER	-9.5
3/16/2023	vs. Illinois	W, 73-63	-2.5	W	7.5	144	UNDER	-8
3/18/2023	vs. Kansas	W, 72-71	4	W	5	145.5	UNDER	-2.5

Head to Head

Arkansas is 1-0-0 against the spread when it plays against Kansas in recorded games since 2023. The over has hit in 0 out of 1 recorded head-to-head games (0%).

Date	Opp	Result	Spread	Cover	By	Total	Over	By
3/18/2023	vs. Kansas	W, 72-71	4	W	5	145.5	UNDER	-2.5

Note: Our ATS data dates back to the 2017-18 season.

News

News Updates

News updates via RotoWire.

Dajuan Harris (03/19): Harris registered 12 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-3 FT), four rebounds, five assists and two steals in 35 minutes during Saturday's 72-71 loss to Arkansas.
Makhel Mitchell (03/19): Mitchell did not play during Arkansas' 72-71 win Saturday against Kansas.
Dajuan Harris (03/18): Harris suffered a sprained ankle in the first half of Saturday's game against Arkansas but will try to play through the injury in the second half, Gary Bedore of The Kansas City Star reports.
Joseph Yesufu (03/18): Yesufu contributed eight points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt), one rebound, two assists and one steal over 14 minutes during Thursday's 96-68 victory over Howard.
KJ Adams (03/18): Adams ended with 13 points (5-10 FG, 3-5 FT), four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal across 28 minutes during Thursday's 96-68 victory over Howard.
Jalen Wilson (03/16): Wilson contributed 20 points (8-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds in 33 minutes during Thursday's 96-68 win over Howard.
Gradey Dick (03/16): Dick amassed 19 points (7-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals over 32 minutes during Thursday's 96-68 victory over Howard.
Kevin McCullar (03/16): McCullar is in the starting five for Thursday's game versus Howard, Jordan Guskey of The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
Joseph Yesufu (03/16): Yesufu is not part of Kansas' starting lineup Thursday against Howard, according to Jordan Guskey of The Topeka Capital-Journal.
Anthony Black (03/16): Black will be available during Arkansas' game Thursday against Illinois, according to Mason Choate of Rivals.com.
Kevin McCullar (03/15): McCullar is no longer experiencing back and won't look to rest in Thursday's game versus Howard, Jordan Guskey of The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
Kevin McCullar (03/15): McCullar (back) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Harold Kuntz of FOX 4 News reports.
Joseph Yesufu (03/12): Yesufu contributed 11 points (5-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal across 29 minutes during Saturday's 76-56 loss to Texas.
Kevin McCullar (03/11): McCullar has been ruled out of Saturday's game against Texas, Gary Bedore of The Kansas City Star reports.
Kevin McCullar (03/10): McCullar left Friday's game versus Iowa State due to an undisclosed injury, CJ Moore of The Athletic reports.
Kamani Johnson (03/10): Johnson isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game versus Texas A&;M, Scottie Bordelon of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.
Ricky Council (03/10): Council isn't in the starting five for Friday's game versus Texas A&;M, Scottie Bordelon of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.
Makhi Mitchell (03/10): Mitchell is in the starting five for Friday's game versus Texas A&;M, Scottie Bordelon of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.
Makhel Mitchell (03/10): Mitchell is in the starting five for Friday's game versus Texas A&;M, Scottie Bordelon of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports.
Joseph Yesufu (03/10): Yesufu isn't in the starting five for Friday's game versus Iowa State, Jordan Guskey of The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
Kevin McCullar (03/10): McCullar (back) wound up playing Thursday and finished with three points (1-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, an assist and a steal across 26 minutes in a win over West Virginia.
Makhel Mitchell (03/09): Mitchell is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Auburn.
Makhi Mitchell (03/09): Mitchell is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Auburn.
Kamani Johnson (03/09): Johnson is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Auburn.
Ricky Council (03/09): Council is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against Auburn.