Kansas vs. Miami: 2022 March Madness Picks and Odds

Mike Spector

Last Updated: March 26, 2022 8:00 AM EDT • 2 min 36 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 20: Kameron McGusty #23 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes reacts against the Auburn Tigers during the first half in the second round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. Eakin Howard/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Eakin Howard / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The Midwest Region’s Elite Eight matchup is a fascinating one between college basketball’s winningest team, and a squad amid its deepest NCAA Tournament run in school history. Read on for our Kansas-Miami picks.

The Miami Hurricanes earned their first Elite Eight appearance with a dominant 14-point victory over Iowa State. Miami and Saint Peter's continued the trend of at least one No. 7 seed or lower reaching the Elite Eight, which has happened in 10 of the last 11 NCAA Tournaments.

Kansas’ Sweet 16 victory over Providence was also historic. It was the Jayhawks’ 2,354th win, breaking a tie with Kentucky for the most Division I triumphs. Additionally, Bill Self will appear in his 11th career Elite Eight game, and his ninth as the head coach of the Jayhawks.

Kansas kept the streak alive of at least one No. 1 seed making the Elite Eight in every NCAA Tournament since seeding began in 1979. However, 2021-22 is the first season fewer than two No. 1 seeds have moved on to the regional finals since 2013.

Here are my Kansas-Miami picks and predictions for Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup (odds via BetMGM; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Kansas vs. Miami Game Info

Date/Time: Sunday, March 27, at 2:20 p.m. ETTV: CBSLocation: United Center, Chicago, IL

Kansas vs. Miami Odds Analysis

Kansas opened as -6 favorites, with BetMGM one of the only sportsbooks offering the Jayhawks at -6.5. They've been favored in all but one of their 38 games in 2021-22. The Jayhawks have failed to cover during their last two contests, which followed a streak of five consecutive covers. Meanwhile, Miami has covered during four straight games and six of its previous seven.

The total can typically be found at 147.5 points, with a few sportsbooks offering 147. It's the highest total out of Miami’s last four outings, and the Under has cashed during the previous three.

The number here is also the highest total out of Kansas’ previous 10 games. The Under is 6-3 over the Jayhawks’ last nine.

Kansas vs. Miami Picks

Miami +6.5 (-110) ??? Over 147.5 (-110) ???

Kansas vs. Miami Predictions

Miami +6.5 (-110)

Miami entered the NCAA Tournament as a dangerous opponent, and its trio of guards (Kameron McGusty, Charlie Moore, and Isaiah Wong) are as talented as any in the country.

Additionally, Hurricanes head coach Jim Larranaga has been building an impressive resume, as he took George Mason to the Final Four in 2006. Miami’s defense doesn't also get enough credit for being the key reason the Hurricanes are still alive.

The team's Sweet 16 game against Iowa State was its 10th contest with 10-plus steals. The Hurricanes have been forcing turnovers consistently, as they entered the tournament with a plus-four turnover differential (11th-best in Division I). That suggests they also take care of the ball, and the Hurricanes’ 13.8% turnover rate is the nation's sixth-best.

As the only No. 1 seed remaining, Kansas is now the prohibitive favorite to cut down the nets. But don't underestimate the Hurricanes' potential. They have all the pieces to win in March.

Check out our top-rated sportsbooks here

Over 147.5 (-110)

Providence shot 20% from the field in the first half against Kansas, the Friars’ worst shooting half of the season. Their 17 first-half points were tied for the fewest in any half of the tournament.

However, Self said during his halftime interview that the Friars missed some easy looks. That seemed to correct itself in the second half when Providence torched Kansas for 44 points.

Miami boasts a much more complete offense than Providence, with several more players who can create their own shots. The Hurricanes should be successful offensively if they can exploit the same mismatches the Friars did during the second half on Friday.

Additionally, the Jayhawks should get more than just 19 combined points from Ochai Agbaji, Christian Braun, and David McCormack after the three struggled against Providence.

Where to Bet Kansas-Miami Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

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SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Kansas-Miami picks made 3/26/2022 at 9:19 a.m. ET.

Written By:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”