Kansas - Portland State Preview

Midwest- Round One
Kansas Jayhawks (1) Vs. Portland State Vikings (16)
Thursday, March 20 @ 12:25 pm
Betting Line From Bookmaker: Kansas -22.5

During the season, the Kansas State Jayhawks (13- 3 Big 12, 31- 3 overall) tied the Texas Longhorns for the best record in the conference with Kansas State taking the tournament crown. The Jayhawks led the nation in scoring margin (21 PPG) and the conference in just about every major offensive and defensive category.

Kansas State spreads its scoring between the front and back court. Forwards Darrell Arthur (13.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and Darnell Jackson (11.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG) are a formidable pair. Arthur hits 53% from the floor, while Jackson is accurate 63% of the time. In the back court, guards Brandon Rush (12.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 APG) and Mario Chalmers (12.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.6 APG) provide plenty of firepower. On “D” Chalmers averages 2.4 SPG and on “O” hits 52% from the floor and 48% from downtown. Rush is an 80% free throw shooter.

This season the Portland State Vikings (14- 2 Big Sky, 23- 9 overall) were Big Sky champions and earned their first trip into March Madness. The team enters the Big Dance on a 14-game winning streak.

In conference play, this team was dominant. Guard Jeremiah Dominiquez (14.3 PPG, 2.1 APG, 4/1 APG) led the club in points and assists. The Vikings’ playmaker was accurate from the field 47% of the time, from the free throw line 82% and from three-point land 44%. Deonte Huff (13.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.7 APG) hit 51% of his shots, while center Scott Morrison (10.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG) knocked in 58% from the floor. Morrison blocked 1.7 SPG.

For the Portland State Vikings, this will be an up hill fight. Look for the Vikings to be out muscled, out played and out scored in their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

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