NCAA tournament Elite 8 preview: No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 3 Oregon

George Schroeder

USA TODAY Sports

USA TODAY Sports breaks down the Midwest Regional final.

Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) reacts with guard Frank Mason III (0) during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA tournament at Sprint Center.

No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 1 Kansas (31-4)

Time, TV: 8:49 p.m. ET, TBS

► Why Oregon (32-5) will win: The Ducks haven’t played their best basketball in the NCAA tournament, but they keep finding ways to win. Against Michigan, sophomore guard Tyler Dorsey scored at least 20 points for the sixth consecutive game. Although Oregon’s four-guard lineup matches up well with Kansas, junior forward Jordan Bell notched a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) against the Wolverines and could be a key piece in an upset bid.

BRACKET: Track the tournament

► Why Kansas (31-4) will win: After a stellar regular season, the Jayhawks might have morphed into something even more formidable in the NCAA tournament, winning three games by an average of 30 points. Kansas unleashed multiple offensive options — will Frank Mason III beat you? Josh Jackson? Devonte’ Graham? Someone else? — but it’s the Jayhawks’ fast, furious defense that fueled second-half surges to put away Michigan State last week and Purdue on Thursday.

NCAA TOURNAMENT ELITE 8 TEAMS

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