Familiar rivals will reignite their competition in the West Region when the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament begins on Thursday. The Kansas Jayhawks, seeded No. 7 (21-12), will face the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (20-13). In their previous encounter during a preseason exhibition, the Razorbacks claimed victory with a score of 85-69, a result influenced by early injuries for Arkansas during the season.

The anticipated tip-off from Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds from SportsLine, the Jayhawks are favored by 4.5 points, with a total point over/under set at 145.5. To gain more insights on the upcoming matchup, check out predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has accurately simulated each Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times, showcasing a record of 228-166 (+2025) on all high-stakes picks since 2023.

This model has successfully predicted brackets that outperformed over 91% of CBS Sports entries in four of the last six tournaments, also identifying 24 major upsets by double-digit seeds. Following the model could have led to considerable winnings.

The model has recently focused its attention on the Kansas vs. Arkansas game and generated selections for the March Madness. You can view the model’s top-rated picks. Here are the latest betting odds and lines:

• Kansas vs. Arkansas spread: Kansas -4.5
• Over/Under points: 145.5
• Money line: Kansas -215, Arkansas +177
• Jayhawks record against the spread (ATS): 15-16
• Razorbacks record ATS: 13-17-1

Why Arkansas can cover

The Razorbacks ranked fourth in the SEC for defensive rebounds per game (26.1) and held their opponents to the fifth-fewest offensive rebounds (10.3) in the league, equipping them with the necessary capabilities to challenge the Jayhawks. Arkansas could gain an advantage if they successfully draw the fouls since Kansas has allowed an average of 17.2 free throw attempts this season.

Arkansas boasts tournament experience through players like Johnell Davis, who transferred from Florida Atlantic. Coach Calipari, now in his 24th March Madness, brings a wealth of experience with a 57-22 tournament record, which includes multiple Elite Eight runs and a national championship title. Learn more about pickup strategies at SportsLine.

Why Kansas can cover

Dajuan Harris Jr. and KJ Adams Jr., both on the Jayhawks’ championship team in 2022, remain key contributors, averaging 9.2 points each. Returning as the team’s points leader is Hunter Dickinson, averaging 17.6 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. The senior’s presence could pose problems for the Razorbacks, who have had difficulties managing athletic big men this season.

Kansas concluded the regular season covering the spread in four of their last five games, with competitive performances against Houston and Arizona. They also managed to defeat Michigan State and Duke in their neutral site clashes earlier in the season while covering the spread in both matches. View detailed insights and predictions at SportsLine.

How to make Arkasas vs. Kansas picks

SportsLine’s model has simulated the game 10,000 times, leaning towards an Over outcome, predicting a total of 147 points combined. The model has also generated an against-the-spread selection that’s been successful in over 50% of simulations. Learn more about betting strategies at SportsLine for this matchup.