Jayhawks Face Cal Baptist in NCAA Opener

0:00On March 19th, the Kansas J-Hawks landed in San Diego on Wednesday evening, gearing up for their first round NCAA tournament game against the 13th-Ceted California Baptist Lancers. This marked the Lancers debut in the Big Dance, setting up an intriguing match-up on Friday 9th. Coach Bill Self spoke to the media right after arrival, confirming his squad is fully healthy and well-rested heading into the tournament. He highlighted the Lancers' strengths, noting their solid coaching and perimeter scoring threats that Kansas must handle carefully. At the center of Cal Baptist's attack is Guard Dominique Daniels Jr., the five-foot-ten standout who earned Whack Player of the Year honors. He averaged over 23 points, nearly four rebounds, and more than three assists per game this season, using grit and skill to overcome his size. Size, under Coach Rick Croy, who's led the program since 2013 with a strong 275 win, 136 loss. Record, the Lancers boasts the 50th ranked defense nationally.

1:03They limit opponents to just 41.7% shooting from the field, and 29.7% from three-point range, and they went undefeated at home. If Kansas advances, they'll face the winner between 5th-Ceted St. John's and 12th-Ceted Northern Iowa. Self hasn't gotten past the first weekend since the 2022 national title, so expect the J-Hawks to bring their best against this. Capable underdog.