Kansas vs. NC State: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

Kansas will attempt to end North Carolina State's impressive NCAA Tournament run when the two schools meet in the Sweet 16 of the Midwest region on Friday.

The No. 2 seeded Jayhawks were fortunate to escape with a 63-60 victory against a talented Purdue team in the third round.

The No. 11 seeded Wolfpack upset No. 3 seed Georgetown in the third round in an impressive performance that has given NC State the confidence they need to beat anyone.

The Wolfpack won't be afraid of the Jayhawks and will believe they can upset Kansas, especially after NC State has beaten two quality teams to get to the Sweet 16.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this matchup.

Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

When: Friday, March 23 at 10:17 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Listen: Westwood One Radio

Betting Line: TBD

Key Injuries (Via USA Today)

Neither team has any recent injuries to report

What's At Stake?

For the Jayhawks, a win would set up a likely matchup with No. 1 seed North Carolina in the Elite Eight. After their last two NCAA Tournament performances have ended with disappointing losses to low seeds, Kansas badly needs this win to help them get back to the pinnacle of college basketball.

For the Wolfpack, a win would continue their unexpected run toward a Final Four appearance. NC State could meet in-state rival North Carolina in the Elite Eight setting up what could be a thrilling matchup to end Midwest region play.

What They're Saying

Mark Gottfried is in his first season as Wolfpack head coach and is determined to create some new history with North Carolina State, a program with two national titles.

Via ESPN:

"

"We always talk about how we have such a great history at NC State," Gottfried said. "But it's also time to build some new history."

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One of the best things about the Jayhawks is their togetherness, and head coach Bill Self reminded his team of that during their battle with the Boilermakers in the third round.

Via ESPN:

"When things don't go well and you get behind and you play uphill the whole way, it takes some energy and it takes some toughness," said Self, whose team fell behind by double-digits early and still trailed by six at the break. "My message to the whole team was, 'Trust each other."

Most Important Player to Watch: Thomas Robinson, F, Kansas

Kansas star forward Thomas Robinson is the team's best player and must shine against the Wolfpack for the Jayhawks to advance to the Elite Eight.

Robinson's defense and rebounding in the paint is crucial to the success of the Jayhawks, and he led the team with 13 rebounds against Purdue.

Robinson averaged 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds per game this season and will need to put up those numbers or better to help Kansas defeat a fundamentally strong NC State squad.

Key Matchup: CJ Leslie vs. Thomas Robinson

Robinson and Leslie are two talented forwards whose scoring and rebounding is crucial to their team's success. 

If Robinson can shut down Leslie and limit his effectiveness on the offensive end, then Kansas will have a strong chance to win this matchup. Leslie scored 22 points in a loss to North Carolina in the ACC tournament and is not afraid of playing against elite competition.

This matchup at forward could be the difference in the game.

Prediction: NC State upsets Kansas 85-80

The Wolfpack are a well-rounded and deep team that the Jayhawks will find it difficult to defeat. NC State has at least five players, including Leslie, who can score in double digits no matter the opponent.

NC State is full of confidence after two big wins, and with strong defense and rebounding, they will upset Kansas and advance to the Elite Eight.