The NCAA Tournament first round features an exciting late-night matchup between the California Baptist Lancers and the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas enters the tournament as the No. 4 seed, while Cal Baptist arrives as the No. 13 seed after winning the Western Athletic Conference tournament.
This game will be a major moment for California Baptist, as the program makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas, meanwhile, brings tournament experience and one of the top players in the country to the matchup.
Both teams will be looking to start their March Madness journey with a win in this Round of 64 clash.
Match Details
| Match | California Baptist Lancers vs Kansas Jayhawks |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 2026 |
| Round | First Round (Round of 64) |
| Date | March 20, 2026 |
| Time | 9:45 PM ET |
| Venue | Viejas Arena, San Diego |
| TV Channel | CBS |
The winner of this game will move forward to the second round as the tournament continues.
Team Records
| Team | Record | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| California Baptist Lancers | 25–8 | Western Athletic Conference |
| Kansas Jayhawks | 23–10 | Big 12 |
Cal Baptist enters the game with confidence after a strong season and a WAC tournament championship. Kansas had a competitive season in the Big 12 and remains one of the most recognized programs in college basketball.
Betting Odds
| Category | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Kansas -14.5 |
| Cal Baptist Spread | +14.5 |
| Over/Under | 137.5 |
| Moneyline | Kansas -1700 |
| Cal Baptist | +810 |
Kansas enters the matchup as a clear favorite due to its roster depth and experience.
California Baptist Team Overview
California Baptist has been one of the stronger mid-major teams this season and arrives in the tournament after a six-game winning streak.
| California Baptist Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Record | 25–8 |
| Conference | WAC |
| Tournament Seed | No. 13 |
| Recent Form | Six straight wins |
Head coach Rick Croy has guided the program through several successful seasons in Division I basketball. This season’s 25 wins and strong conference performance mark a major milestone for the program.
The Lancers rely heavily on defense and disciplined team play. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring has been one of their key strengths.
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Kansas Jayhawks Team Overview
Kansas remains a dangerous team in the tournament despite an inconsistent stretch late in the season.
| Kansas Key Players | Role |
|---|---|
| Darryn Peterson | Leading scoring guard |
| Flory Bidunga | Frontcourt presence |
| Melvin Council Jr. | Playmaker |
Darryn Peterson is one of the most talented players on the roster and will be a key factor in the game. His ability to score from multiple areas on the court makes him difficult for opposing defenses to stop.
Kansas also benefits from a strong defensive frontcourt that limits scoring inside the paint.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Category | Cal Baptist | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 73.0 | 75.6 |
| Assists Per Game | 10.3 | 14.3 |
| Effective FG% | 48.6% | Higher ranking |
| Defensive Strength | Strong | Elite interior defense |
Kansas has advantages in playmaking and defensive efficiency, particularly around the basket.
Key Matchup Factors
| Key Area | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Interior Defense | Kansas |
| Tournament Experience | Kansas |
| Defensive Discipline | Cal Baptist |
| Scoring Consistency | Kansas |
Cal Baptist will likely try to slow the pace and rely on defense to stay competitive. Kansas, however, has the ability to control the game with its size and defensive presence.
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Player Prop to Watch
| Prop Bet | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Darryn Peterson Points | Over 21.5 Points |
Peterson has recently produced several strong scoring performances and could play a major role in leading Kansas offensively in the tournament opener.
Cal Baptist vs Kansas Prediction
This matchup presents a classic NCAA Tournament scenario where a mid-major program attempts to challenge a traditional powerhouse.
California Baptist has played well defensively and carries strong momentum into the tournament. However, Kansas has advantages in overall talent, size and experience.
| Prediction Category | Pick |
|---|---|
| Game Winner | Kansas |
| Spread Pick | Cal Baptist +14.5 |
| Predicted Score | Kansas 78 – Cal Baptist 66 |
Kansas is expected to advance to the next round, but California Baptist’s defensive style and recent form could help the Lancers remain competitive and keep the game within the spread.
