March Madness Sweet 16: #5 Clemson Tigers and #1 Kansas Jayhawks

There are only two number one seeds that made the Sweet 16 this year, and both play tonight, Friday, March 23. There are four games total that are on tap tonight. The first of four games that will be played tonight offers the #5 Clemson Tigers (29-5) and #1 Kansas Jayhawks (29-7). Tonight’s game, which will tip off at 7:07 p.m. E.T. at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, NE. Our Clemson plays Kansas 2018 Sweet 16 free pick has the Jayhawks at -5.0 and the over/under at 142.5. Here’s how we see this first of four games for tonight going. It may be a tight one considering the level of play of these two teams.

Recent History

The Tigers came in third in the ACC and lost in round two in the conference tournament to the Virginia Cavaliers 64-58. In the NCAA Tournament, the Clemson Tigers beat the #12 New Mexico State Lobos 79-68. In round two, Clemson beat the #4 Auburn Tigers easily 84-53.

The Kansas Jayhawks took the Big 12 regular-season and the conference tournament. The won each game in their tournament easily, scoring a minimum of 80 PPG. In the NCAA Tournament, they beat #16 Penn Quakers in the first round 76-60. In the second round, the Jayhawks took down the #8 Seton Hall Pirates 83-79.

Basic Stats and Facts

Kansas is outscoring Clemson 81.4 to 73.8 PPG and are better from the field by four percentage points, 49.6% to 45.7%. They are also better in assists, 16.9 to 13.3. The Tigers have held opponents to 60.5 PPG, while the Jayhawks have limited their opponents to 69.5 PPG. The Tigers are also better at the foul line 76% to 71%. Kansas is better on threes, 40% to 37%.

Players to Watch

The Tigers put five players on the court who are averaging 10 points per game or better. Guard Marcquise Reed and forward Donte Grantham are both solid players. Reed is averaging 15.9 PPG, 3.4 APG, and 4.7 RPG. Grantham is good for 14.2 PPG and 6.9 RPG. Grantham is shooting 56% from the floor and 42% from the three-point mark.

The Jayhawks come loaded with scorers, as five players are scoring in double digits, including senior guard Devonte’ Graham. He’s averaging 17.4 PPG and averaging 7.5 APG. Seven-foot sophomore center Udoka Azubuike is grabbing 6.9 RPG and scoring 13.2 PPG. Senior guard
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is hitting 46% of his threes and scoring 15.0 PPG.

Our Clemson Plays Kansas 2018 Sweet 16 Free Pick

The Jayhawks are impressive and will be tough to beat tonight. Clemson will need to play a flawless game. Our Clemson plays Kansas 2018 Sweet 16 free pick is the Jayhawks at -5.0. We’re taking the over at 142.5.

Tigers and Jayhawks Pick Summary: Kansas at -5.0 and under 142.5