Kansas Jayhawks vs. Providence Friars: Sweet 16 odds, score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

The Sweet 16 is here, and the Kansas Jayhawks face off against the Providence Friars on Friday night with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. Here is everything you need to know for the Midwest Region’s first semifinal contest, including how to watch, odds, and final score predictions from ESPN and KenPom.

How to watch Kansas vs. Providence

Time: 7:29 p.m. ET

Location: United Center, Chicago, IL

TV Network: TBS

Odds

Kansas is a 7.5-point favorite over Providence in the Sweet 16, according to the Vegas Insider consensus odds.

Spread: Kansas -7.5, -110, Providence +7.5, -111

Money line: Kansas -333, Providence +263

Total: Over/Under 141.5 combined points, -110

ESPN predictions

Kansas is expected to move on with a pretty convincing victory on Friday night, according to ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) predictions. ESPN gives the Jayhawks a win probability of 78.6%.

Predicted winner: Kansas

Predicted point differential: 8.3 points

KenPom predictions

Like ESPN’s BPI, KenPom expects Kansas to cruise to a victory, advancing to the Elite Eight. KenPom gives the Jayhawks a win probability of 74%.

Predicted winner: Kansas

Predicted final score: Kansas 76 – Providence 69

The path to the Sweet 16 for Kansas, Providence

Kansas was one of four top seeds in the NCAA Tournament, holding the first seed in the Midwest Region. The Jayhawks played against Texas Southern in the opening round, cruising to an 83-56 victory. Kansas advanced to the Round of 32, where it escaped with a seven-point victory over Creighton.

Providence entered the tournament as the fourth seed in the Midwest. The Friars defeated South Dakota State 66-57 in the opening round. Then, Providence walked away with a dominating victory over Richmond in the Round of 32.

The winner of Friday night’s game between Kansas and Providence will advance to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of the other Midwest semifinal matchup between 11^th-seeded Iowa State and 10^th-seeded Miami.