Three things about Kentucky and K-State’s possible round of 32 opponents

• 1. Kentucky’s roster is filled with former five-star recruits. Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison and Julius Randle and James Young were all considered top incoming freshman this season.

• 2. The Wildcats have played strong opponents, but rarely won against them. Kentucky beat Louisville in nonconference play, but lost to North Carolina, Michigan State and Baylor and to Florida three times.

• 3. Kentucky should have a sizable advantage inside. Julius Randle averages 15.3 points and 10.6 rebounds, and Olathe Northwest’s Willie Cauley-Stein is a skilled shot blocker. Along with Dakari Johnson and Alex Poythress, Kentucky has one of the best front courts K-State has seen all season. Kentucky ranks fifth nationally in rebounds.

• 1. Wichita State is the first team to take an undefeated record into the NCAA Tournament since UNLV in 1991.

• 2. Cleanthony Early is the team’s best scorer, averaging 15.8 points. But four Shockers are averaging more than 10 points.

• 3. The Shockers are balanced. Their offense ranks 63rd nationally with 75 points a game and their defense ranks 11th nationally with 59.6 points a game.

• 1. The Mustangs were the lowest seed (No. 7) to win the Big West Tournament in the event’s 39 years. They defeated fifth-seeded Cal State Northridge 61-59 on Saturday. They also defeated second-seeded Cal Santa Barbara (69-38) and top-seeded Cal Irvine (61-58).

• 2. Cal Poly scored 63.2 points a game, last in the Big West, while allowing 63.4, lowest in the Big West. It committed 18 turnovers in the three tournament games.

• 3. California Polytechnic State University is located in San Luis Obispo. Its alums include Ozzie Smith of St. Louis Cardinals baseball fame and former NFL coach/broadcaster John Madden.

• 1. The Tigers are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2003 and fifth overall. They defeated Prairie View 78-73 on Saturday in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.

• 2. Texas Southern won at Temple 90-89 in December when center Aaric Murray, from Philadelphia, scored 48 points, making 20 of 28 shots. It is the most points scored by a Temple opponent. Murray played at La Salle and West Virginia before landing at Texas Southern.

• 3. Texas Southern is located near downtown Houston and is home to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

This story was originally published March 16, 2014 at 9:22 PM with the headline "Three things about Kentucky and K-State’s possible round of 32 opponents."