We loved Samford in the first round and they did us solid pushing Kansas to the brink and scoring on them at will in the second half. Hawks running on fumes and Zags are deeper and healthier and got the first win out of the way. Dickerson's shoulder might be howling a little more now, and I don't like Kansas if they have to play from behind ... and I suspect they do here. Zags have the geographic advantage as well.

I was surprised, but not shocked, to see Kansas muster a strong performance after hearing a week of doubt that they could match their regular season form without Kevin McCullar Jr. in the lineup. But the Jayhawks almost let an impressive start go to waste as Samford came roaring back only to fall short in controversial fashion. Gonzaga, on the other hand, put an end to trendy upset talk immediately and stayed on the gas in its runaway win against McNeese. The Bulldogs are healthier and have been a more consistent team in recent weeks, so that’s the team to trust when it comes to getting the motor going again on a quick turnaround.

Kansas hasn't had much luck when it comes to injuries this season, and the Jayhawks will again be without Kevin McCullar Jr.. The Zags have been playing their best basketball of the season in late February and March, and I expect them to cover here and punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.

My simulations are very high on Gonzaga again in the second round. Kansas has very little depth without Kevin McCullar. Kansas plays at a very similar pace which will make this matchup comfortable for the Zags. I make this line -7.