Free March Madness Picks Today For First Round 2023: Kansas Jayhawks vs Howard Bison 3/16/23

The No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks (27-7, 15-6 Big 12) take on the No. 16 seed Howard Bison (22-12, 14-3 MEAC) Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Howard narrowly defeated the Norfolk State Spartans 65-64 at Norfolk Scope Arena on Saturday in the Mid-Eastern Conference Tourney Championship, their fifth win in a row.

Jelani Williams was the standout player with 20 points and six rebounds. Kansas lost in blowout fashion in the Big 12 Conference Tourney Championship on Saturday at T-Mobile Center, falling to the Texas Longhorns 76-56. Jalen Wilson had 24 points in the losing effort to lead the team.

Elijah Hawkins is averaging 13.0 points per game to lead the Bison in scoring this season. Hawkins also has dished 5.9 assists per game. Meanwhile, Steve Settle III is grabbing 5.7 rebounds. Wilson’s 20.1 points per game have powered the Jayhawks on offense. Wilson also has averaged 8.4 rebounds per game.

Dajuan Harris Jr. has recorded 6.2 assists per game.In the last 10 games, Howard is 8-2 with an average margin of +7.9 (77.9-70.0). Kansas has also an 8-2 record over the last 10, scoring 72.2 points per game on average while allowing 66.7 (+5.5 margin).

BISON HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Bryce Harris: 17.6 | 11.2 | +6.4
Rebounds per game:
Steve Settle III: 4.0 | 5.7 | -1.7
Assists per game:
Jelani Williams: 2.8 | 2.1 | +0.7

JAYHAWKS HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Joseph Yesufu: 7.6 | 5.4 | +2.2
Kevin McCullar Jr.: 11.4 | 18.9 | -7.5
Points per game:
Gradey Dick: 9.8 | 14.1 | -4.3
Rebounds per game:
Kevin McCullar Jr.: 4.6 | 6.6 | -2.0
Assists per game:
Jalen Wilson: 1.0 | 2.3 | -1.3

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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.