The Kansas State Wildcats advance to the round of 32 where they find the East\u2019s # 1 seed Syracuse waiting for them. \u00a0 <\/p>\n
#8 Kansas State Wildcats (22-10) vs #1 Syracuse Orange (32-2) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Kansas State<\/strong><\/p>\n They didn\u2019t have too much trouble handling Southern Miss in the opener, covering a 5.5 point spread with a 6 point victory.<\/p>\n Things will be are more challenging against the bigger and more talented Orange squad.<\/p>\n Against Southern Miss guard Rodney MacGruder scored 30 points.<\/p>\n It was no surprise that he led the team but what happened to Jamar Samuels? \u00a0The team\u2019s second leading scorer had just 1 point and took no shots from the field. \u00a0He contributed on the glass with 8 boards but how do you play 27 minutes without taking a single shot.<\/p>\n They are going to need more production from him and everybody else if they are going to take down a #1 seed. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Syracuse<\/strong><\/p>\n If you were putting a future bet on the Syracuse Orange you really should have waited because you can now get a lot more bang for your buck.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t like them to challenge beyond winning this round, partly because Fab Melo won\u2019t be available, and partly because this team seems to be in a bit of a funk over the last month after they started the season with some very impressive victories.<\/p>\n In this matchup the Orange are still the far more talented team.<\/p>\n I am a little concerned with how sluggish they were against UNC Asheville but that can be chocked up to some jitters – it is never easy being the team that has everything to lose. \u00a0They actually might have an easier time with the Wildcats who are not blessed with great shooters that can attack their 2-3 zone.<\/p>\n If they play their game it should be an easy victory<\/p>\n
\nSaturday March 17
\nEast Region – Pittsburgh, PA
\n12:15PM
\nMoneyline:
\nSpread: \u00a0Syracuse -5
\nO\/U: \u00a0134.5<\/strong><\/p>\n