Beset by injuries and other personnel issues, Kansas fell short of its lofty standards as it failed to win either the Big 12 regular season or tournament titles. But coach Bill Self insists the best is ahead for his youth-laden lineup, and the Jayhawks have a chance to prove it Thursday. Northeastern was good in its weight class but 0-4 against quadrant one opponents, including blowout losses to Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Look for the Jayhawks to take advantage of a get-right game in the first round.

This year's Kansas team isn't up to the same standard we've seen from previous Kansas teams, but it's still quite a bit better than Northeastern in my estimation. The Jayhawks have gone 25-9 against the most difficult schedule in the country, while the Huskies have played nine games against top 100 teams in KenPom and gone 3-6. Two of those wins were against Hofstra. Kansas is better offensively, superior defensively, and has a decent size advantage here too. Lay the points.

I would've bet Kansas at the opening number of -8 1/2 but overwhelming support for Northeastern has dropped the line two full points. Yes the Jayhawks could've played for a National Championship if Silvio De Sousa was not ruled ineligible and the did not lose Udoka Azubuike and Lagerald Vick for the season. But please don't feel sorry for the Jayhawks because they will start three McDonald All-American freshmen with double-double machine Dedric Lawson. Northeastern's weakness is defense, ranked 144th in the country. Its best win this season was against No. 65 Alabama.

Bill Self will have the Jayhawks tuned up and ready to play in the first round matchup with Northeastern. This game might be competitive for a half, but I have the Jayhawks as -10 favorites and I'm expecting a strong opening round performance in the midwest region.