KANSAS-KENTUCKY BATTLE LOOMS
Both teams hitting stride, showing signs of deep run
USA TODAY Sports’ Scott Gleeson takes a weekly look at the best college men’s basketball matchups (records are as Monday afternoon):
NO. 1 KANSAS AT NO. 4 KENTUCKY
Saturday, 6:15 p.m., ESPN
About the Jayhawks (18-1, 7-0): Kansas, still unbeaten in Big 12 play and chasing a 13th consecutive league title, remained atop the coaches poll for a second consecutive week. The Jayhawks haven’t lost since the first game of the season, a Nov. 11 setback to Indiana, and they’re playing with the swagger of the best team in the country. Frank Mason III is having an All-American-type season, leading his team in points and assists, and ultra-athletic freshman Josh Jackson has fit in coach Bill Self’s offense nicely. Kansas beats teams with blistering three-point shooting, ranking fifth nationally at 41.6%. Mason leads the way at 54%.
About the Wildcats (17-2, 7-0): Kentucky is on a sevengame winning streak. Much of whether that continues depends on the status of point guard De’Aaron Fox, who’s day-to-day after spraining his ankle against South Carolina. While elite scorer Malik Monk has been the key force for Kentucky’s offense, Fox has been instrumental in distributing the ball and creating offense for others. Kentucky ranks third in the nation in offense, scoring 92.9 points a game, and ranks in the top 10 nationally in assists, blocked shots, turnover margin, assist-to-turnover ratio and field goal percentage. The glue for this team, especially if Fox isn’t healthy, is sophomore Isaiah Briscoe (14.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.2 apg), whom Mississippi State coach Ben Howland recently called the heart and soul of the team.
Star watch: Kansas guard Mason III (20.1 ppg, 5.4 apg) and guard Jackson (15.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg). Kentucky guard Monk (21.7 ppg) and guard Fox (16.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.8 rpg).
The pick: Kentucky. These are two Final-Four caliber teams who are hitting their strides. The veteran-laden Kansas squad has the edge in experience, but the Wildcats have grown tremendously over the course of the season under coach John Calipari. This game will be won in the paint. The Jayhawks’ Landen Lucas will have his hands full with freshman Bam Adebayo (13.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg).
NO. 13 VIRGINIA AT NO. 2 VILLANOVA
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
About the Cavaliers (15-3, 5-2): Since losing back-to-back Atlantic Coast Conference games against Florida State and Pitts- Guard Frank Mason III leads Kansas with 20.1 points and 5.4 assists per game as the Jayhawks have run off 18 consecutive wins since losing their season opener against Indiana.