5 Bold Predictions For No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 7 Wichita State

By Jerry Landry

Bold Predictions For No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 7 Wichita State

Kansas Jayhawks vs Wichita Shockers 2015 NCAA Tournament Third Round — The Kansas Jayhawks are a No. 2 seed to the chagrin of many, yet looked very second-seed-like in a controlling 75-56 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies. The Wichita State Shockers will definitely determine if Kansas is worthy of the label, and here are five things that could go down in this intrastate skirmish.

5. Perry Ellis Goes For 20 and 10

Kansas Jayhawks Perry Ellis vs Wichita Shockers NCAA

5. Perry Ellis Goes For 20 and 10

Kansas Jayhawks Perry Ellis vs Wichita Shockers NCAA — Perry Ellis is getting healthier every game, and it’s time to take another leap toward potential. Look for Ellis to play additional minutes, and for his performance against New Mexico St. to scale up to a 20-point, 10-rebound effort against the Shockers.

4. Ron Baker Shoots Much Better, Scores 25

Wichita State Shockers Ron Baker Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Tournament

4. Ron Baker Shoots Much Better, Scores 25

Wichita State Shockers Ron Baker Kansas Jayhawks NCAA Tournament — Even though Baker sealed the deal at the line, it was a rough shooting performance for the junior guard. Look for Baker to be better than Friday’s 3-13 from the field on Sunday, and to better complement Fred VanVleet with at least 25 against the Jayhawks.

3. First Team To 70 Wins

Wichita State Kansas Jayhawks Gregg Marshall NCAA Tournament

3. First Team To 70 Wins

Wichita State Kansas Jayhawks Gregg Marshall NCAA Tournament — The fact that Wichita State put up 81 points against the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the Hoosiers’ horrid defense. Kansas holds teams to a little better clip, so I expect this game to be lower-scoring for the Shockers. Kansas usually puts up around 70, and if the Jayhawks can reach an average output (71.2 points per game), they could be advancing to the Sweet 16.

2. VanVleet Won’t Reach 15 Points

Wichita Shockers Kansas Jayhawks Fred VanVleet NCAA Tournament

2. VanVleet Won’t Reach 15 Points

Wichita Shockers Kansas Jayhawks Fred VanVleet NCAA Tournament — Look for VanVleet to regress to the mean, and follow up a 27-point performance against Indiana with a sub-15-point game against the Jayhawks. Kansas will likely key on VanVleet during film sessions for Sunday’s game and won’t allow the Shockers’ guard to become the X-factor.

1. Kansas Wins A Close Game

Bill Self Kansas Jayhawks Wichita St. Shockers NCAA Tournament

1. Kansas Wins A Close Game

Bill Self Kansas Jayhawks Wichita St. Shockers NCAA Tournament — Wichita State has a boulder on its shoulder after Kansas has repeatedly snubbed the Shockers from the Jayhawks’ season schedule. This battle will be bitter, but Kansas will repay the faith of the committee and win a tight one on Sunday.

Teams in this article »

Kansas Jayhawks

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Wichita State Shockers

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