No. 2 seed Kansas didn't follow the trend on Friday. Unlike Duke and Missouri, the Jayhawks survived their 2/15 matchup, defeating the No. 15 Detroit Titans. While the Jawhawks struggled to score at time they won easily, 65-50.
The Jawhawks must go through the Boilermakers of Purdue to reach the Sweet 16. Purdue pulled off an incredible upset over No. 7 Saint Mary's in its first game, rallying from 11 points down in the second half. Jorden Page capped a 14-2 run with a late 3-pointer and Purdue went on to win 72-69.
Will Purdue pull off another upset and advance to the Sweet 16? Or will Kansas roll on?
*All stats, records and rankings through start of tournament.
NO. 2 KANSAS
Overall Record: 27-6
Conference Record: 16-2
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Baylor In Semifinals
PPG: 75
Points Allowed: 61.9
AP Ranking: 3
RPI: 6
KenPom Ranking: 4
Standout Player: Thomas Robinson
Season In Review: Kansas didn't get off to the start they had hoped for, dropping early games to Kentucky, Duke and Davidson. But the Jayhawks certainly finished strong, winning eight straight to close out the season and beating Texas A&M in the Big 12 quarterfinals. Unfortunately, Kansas fell to Baylor in the semis.
Tournament Experience: 88-39, 40 appearances, 13 Final Fours, 3 National Championships
NO. 10 PURDUE
Overall Record: 21-12
Conference Record: 10-8
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Ohio State In Quarterfinals
PPG: 72.2
Points Allowed: 66.0
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 45
KenPom Ranking: 24
Standout Player: Robbie Hummel
Season In Review: Purdue was embarrassed by Penn State in January, leading to a stretch in which the Boilermakers dropped five of eight. But wins over Illinois on the road and Michigan at home helped Purdue reach the tourney.
Tournament Experience: 34-25, 25 appearances, 2 Final Fours