Category: Betting

Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32

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3/22/2026

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Kansas vs. St. Johns round of 32 pick and preview

Kansas vs St Johns prediction as Bill Self faces Rick Pitino in Round of 32

A rare coaching matchup takes center stage in the Round of 32 as Bill Self and Rick Pitino face off when Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball takes on St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball.

Despite being two of the longest-tenured and most accomplished head coaches in college basketball, Self and Pitino have only faced each other once. That lone meeting came on November 28, 2021, when Pitino was coaching Iona and Self led Kansas in the ESPN Events Invitational.

Now, they meet again with significantly higher stakes and a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.

Why Kansas has the edge

St. John’s enters Sunday’s round of 32 showdown as 3.5-point favorites, but the matchup projects much tighter than the spread suggests.

The Jayhawks hold key advantages in areas that tend to decide close tournament games. Kansas is a more reliable three-point shooting team, while the Red Storm’s perimeter consistency has been inconsistent throughout the season.

Free-throw shooting also favors Kansas. In a physical postseason environment, where fouls accumulate late, the Jayhawks’ efficiency at the line could prove decisive.

Darryn Peterson factor

Superstar freshman phenom Darryn Peterson gives Kansas the most dynamic scorer on the floor.

He showed that in the opening round, taking over early and finishing with a high-volume, efficient scoring performance. Peterson’s ability to create offense in isolation and knock down perimeter shots makes him the type of player who can swing a tight March Madness game.

If this turns into a late-possession battle, Kansas has the advantage with the best closer.

Frontcourt matchup to watch

St. John’s brings size and athleticism, but Kansas matches it.

Flory Bidunga anchors a frontcourt that can neutralize the Red Storm’s strength on the offensive glass. While St. John’s thrives on second-chance opportunities, Kansas has the size and physicality to compete in that area.

Bidunga will be key defensively, particularly in limiting extra possessions.

Best bets

This game profiles as a close, physical matchup where execution and star power will decide the outcome.

Kansas moneyline
Darryn Peterson over 23.5 points
Flory Bidunga over 8.5 rebounds

Kansas enters battle-tested out of the Big 12 and appears undervalued in this spot, especially given how public perception shifted after the Round of 64.

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Akron vs. Texas Tech prediction: Inside a compelling Round of 64 clash

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3/20/2026

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Akron vs. Texas Tech prediction

The pressure falls squarely on the No. 5-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders in their clash against the No. 12-seeded Akron Zips—and that’s exactly what makes this matchup so uncomfortable.

This 5-vs-12 showdown brings everything March Madness thrives on: a higher seed dealing with adversity, a lower seed playing its best basketball, and a spread that suggests more separation than the matchup actually shows. Texas Tech owns the stronger résumé, but this game looks far more competitive than it appears at first glance.

The biggest issue starts with what the Red Raiders lost.

JT Toppin’s absence looms over everything. The star forward drove this team, averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while anchoring the defense. That level of production doesn’t get replaced—it forces a complete identity shift.

The depth concerns only increase the pressure.

Christian Anderson left the Big 12 Tournament with a muscle strain, and while he should play, he may not be at full strength. LeJuan Watts continues to manage a lower leg issue. Even if both take the floor, Texas Tech enters this game far from full strength.

That opens the door for Akron.

The Zips don’t rely on one star—they attack in waves. They rank 54th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and shoot over 50 percent from the field and nearly 39 percent from three. That efficiency can flip momentum quickly in a tournament setting.

That balance shows up every night.

Seven Akron players average at least seven points per game, giving them a scoring distribution that challenges any defense. They stretch the floor, move the ball, and punish mistakes—especially against a shortened rotation.

That creates a difficult dynamic for Texas Tech.

Without Toppin controlling the paint and cleaning up possessions, the Red Raiders must lean on execution and perimeter play. That approach works when everything clicks, but it becomes risky against a team that can match scoring runs.

If Akron finds rhythm early, this game should stay tight deep into the second half.

March Madness games like this rarely follow the script.

After three straight first-round exits under John Groce, this group looks like the one built to change that narrative.

This matchup stands out as one of the most popular upset spots in the opening round—and the matchup supports it.

The play: Akron +8.5 (-115, BetMGM Sportsbook)

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