March Madness: Kansas Jayhawks Clash with California Baptist Lancers

Welcome to March Madness

As the NCAA Tournament approaches, college basketball fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year. This year, the fourth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks (23-10) will face off against No. 13 seed California Baptist Lancers (25-8) in a captivating first-round game on Friday at Viejas Arena in San Diego.

When and Where to Watch

• When: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Time: 9:45 PM ET
• TV Channel: CBS
• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

This matchup promises to deliver high-stakes drama as two teams with vastly different trajectories collide on the hardwood. As we dive into the season highlights and players to watch, understanding the stakes can enhance your viewing experience.

Kansas Jayhawks: A Season of Ups and Downs

Kansas enters this matchup with a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, though it hasn't been without challenges. After impressive victories over ranked opponents such as Iowa State and Houston, the Jayhawks struggled towards the end of the regular season, losing three of their final five games before being eliminated by Houston in the Big 12 semifinals on March 13.

Freshman standout Darryn Peterson leads the team, averaging 19.8 points per game, while fellow teammates Tre White and Flory Bidunga contribute significantly, posting 13.8 and 13.5 points, respectively, along with strong rebounding stats.

The Underdogs: California Baptist

On the other side of the court, California Baptist is making its NCAA Tournament debut after securing the automatic bid from the Western Athletic Conference by defeating top-seeded Utah Valley 63-61. The Lancers have proven they can hang with tough contenders and are not to be underestimated.

Leading the Lancers is Dominique Daniels Jr., who boasts an impressive scoring average of 23.2 points per game. With support from Martel Williams and Thomas Ndong, who contribute 12.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, they possess the potential to upset Kansas.

Shared History and Future Stakes

The Jayhawks have been a mainstay in the tournament scene, having appeared in March Madness 36 times, but they have not managed to advance beyond the first weekend since their championship win in 2022. In contrast, the Lancers have started their journey from Division II just a few years ago and have quickly made their mark.

The winner of this exciting matchup will advance to the second round, where they'll face either No. 5 seed St. John's or 12th-seeded Northern Iowa.

As the clock ticks down to game time, this is a match that promises to not only showcase talent but also the spirit of competition that defines March Madness. Whether you're rooting for Kansas's storied history or California Baptist's underdog story, there's plenty to be excited about.

How to Stream and Watch

To catch all the action, you can start your free trial on Fubo. With a wide array of channels, Fubo is your go-to destination for live sports coverage.

Don't let this match pass you by; the emotional rollercoaster of March Madness awaits!