Howard vs. Kansas picks, predictions: Who wins NCAA Tournament first-round game?

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic
·4 min read

No. 16 seed Howard and No. 1 seed Kansas face off on Thursday in an NCAA Tournament first-round game.

The game is scheduled for 11 a.m.  MST and can be seen on TBS.

Who will win the game?

Check out these picks and predictions for the contest.

Kansas is a 21.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.

Sportsbook Wire: Kansas 80, Howard 64

It writes: "Kansas has won 16 games against the spread this season, while failing to cover 18 times. Howard has won 18 games against the spread this year, while failing to cover 13 times."

Fansided: Take the over in Howard vs. Kansas game

Reed Wallach writes: "I do think Howard can hit enough shots to stay competitive for a bit, but the sure handed Jayhawks offense will likely outduel them for a majority of the game. My favorite look in this game is the over."

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FanDuel: Kansas 84, Howard 65

Devon Platana writes: "I recommend backing Howard on the spread. While I expect Kansas to win outright, the defending champions are just 2-4 ATS in their last six games and 3-4 ATS in neutral site matchups this season. On the other side, Howard has covered the spread in four of its last five outings. Furthermore, the Bison are 6-2 ATS in the last eight games as the betting underdog. Accordingly, I'm erring on the side of caution by backing Howard as the +21.5 underdog."

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Can Howard upset Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?
Can Howard upset Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?

Sports Chat Place: Go with Kansas to cover against Howard

Chris Ruffolo writes: "I’m sticking with Kansas here. This isn’t a game I’m rushing to the window to bet necessarily, but the Jayhawks are simply the better team here and while Howard’s played well over the course of conference play, stepping up from the MEAC to take on the defending national champions isn’t the ideal jump in competition to make and Kansas has a tendency to romp in these early round NCAA tournament games. I’ll lay the points with the Jayhawks here."

March Madness odds: Houston, Kansas, Alabama, Purdue 2023 men's NCAA Tournament favorites

Dimers.com: Kansas 81, Howard 61

It writes: "Dimers.com's predicted final score for Howard vs. Kansas at Wells Fargo Arena this Thursday has Kansas winning 81-61."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Howard vs. Kansas basketball picks, predictions for March Madness game