The No. 4 Kansas Jayhawks (26-9) will be 2-point underdogs in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena when they go head-to-head against the No. 5 Auburn Tigers (27-9). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 148 points and action starts at 9:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23, 2019.
Auburn Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Jayhawks dismantled the No. 13 Northeastern Huskies 87-53, while the Tigers barely escaped the No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies 78-77.
The Tigers forced 16 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.561 (above their season average of 0.541). The Jayhawks, meanwhile, had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.523) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 29.7). Kansas rallied around Dedric Lawson, who had 25 points and 11 rebounds. Chuma Okeke had a good game for Auburn, recording 13 points and five rebounds.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Tigers games, with 18 overs compared to 17 unders. Auburn holds records of 27-9 straight up (SU) and 17-14-4 against the spread (ATS).
Jayhawks games have a tendency to finish over the total (57.1 percent). Kansas is 26-9 SU, but they are just 15-19-1 ATS.
It could be a sloppy game for the Kansas offense. Kansas ranks 200th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.9 percent), while the gambling defense of Auburn forces the most turnovers in the country (25.6 percent). Additionally, the Tigers’ 18th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.4) will clash against the Jayhawks’ 58th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 98.2).
Auburn Tigers vs. Kansas Jayhawks Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Auburn ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.1) while Kansas ranks 277th in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
- The Tigers average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. The Jayhawks rank 138th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Auburn averages 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation. Kansas ranks 147th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
- The Jayhawks rank 39th in rebounds per game (38.3) while the Tigers rank 207th (34.3).
- Auburn averages 9.4 steals per game, which ranks third in the country. Kansas ranks 160th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (3.2 below their season average).
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, down from 10.9 for the season.
