The set-up: I'm expecting a defensive battle here. Northeastern won't be going down without a fight today after finishing 23-10 this season. The Huskies have a starting five of upperclassmen, led by Vas Pusica and Jordan Roland. The Jayhawks have a lot to prove as well after their string of regular season conference champion finished this year after 15 seasons. Kansas had to deal with significant injuries (center Udoka Azubuike lost mid-season), but it still finished 25-9. The Jayhawks are stingy defensively and I think they'll be able to make the adjustments to counter the Huskies three-point oriented offensive attack.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Northeastern has seen the total go "under" the number in eight of its last 12 neutral court games, while Kansas has seen the total dip "under" in six of its last nine neutral site games. I'm expecting a slower-paced defensive battle. Play the "under."

9* play