NCAA Men’s Basketball: Kansas Jayhawks vs Omaha Mavericks – Possible Lineups and Predictions

The Kansas Jayhawks host the Omaha Mavericks as they aim to extend their winning run. After starting with an opening day loss to Gonzaga, Kansas has produced win after win.

They were always second favorites against the Bulldogs, so that defeat wouldn’t sting. And in every following game, the Jayhawks have kept it close. In three of their five wins, the winning margin has been four points or lesser.

In their last game against Creighton, the Jayhawks were one missed free throw away from being dragged into OT. Marcus Zegarowski missed his final free throw, and the game ended 73-72 to Kansas. So while it has been five wins on the trot, the Jayhawks have got lucky a few times, and need to finish off games earlier.

Omaha comes into the game with a 2-4 record. They were on a four game losing streak before winning their last game against SIU Edwardsville. It was a thriller, and ended in a two point victory for the Mavericks, following a last second dunk by Matt Pile.

Expected Lineups

Sophomore Jalen Wilson has been the star for the Jayhawks so far. He is currently averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds per game. He will be expected to lead the Jayhawks once again, as they aim to continue their winning streak. Ochai Agbaji, Christian Braun and Marcus Garrett will start as their guards, and Jalen Wilson and David McCormack will be their forwards.

After playing the first games from the bench, Sam’i Roe replaced Zack Thornhill in the previous game for the Mavericks. So they should have an unchanged lineup with Ayo Akinwole, Sam’i Roe, and Marco Smith starting as the guards, and Wanjang Tut and Matt Pile will start as their forwards.

Sixth win incoming for the Kansas Jayhawks?

Although the Jayhawks are struggling to win convincingly, they should be able to take care of business tonight. Omaha has just squeezed in two wins, but has been poor otherwise. At their best, they can give Kansas a scare, but it should be an easy win for the Jayhawks.

Bill Self’s side has much more quality than the Mavericks, and they will push into the top five of the AP Poll with this win under their belt.