SCOUTING REPORT

POINT GUARD

CURTIS TERRY, UNLV — RUSSELL ROBINSON, KANSAS

If the hot-shooting Terry shows up, the Rebels’ chances will improve dramatically. If he is mistake-prone and struggling to make jumpers, the Rebels could be in trouble. Terry shot 3-for-10 with eight assists and six turnovers in the first-round victory over Kent State. He did not get to the free-throw line for only the second time in the past 14 games. The 6-foot-5-inch Terry needs to use his size and strength to penetrate and score over the 6-1 Robinson.

Edge: Rebels

SHOOTING GUARD

WINK ADAMS, UNLV — MARIO CHALMERS, KANSAS

In a shooting contest, Chalmers probably would get the best of Adams. Chalmers has shot 11-for-18 from 3-point range in his past two games, and he has hit 48 percent of his 3s on the season. Chalmers scored 30 points in the Big 12 tournament title game against Texas. Adams is a stronger defender, and he finds more ways to score by driving to the basket. In his past four games, Adams has shot 30-for-53, including 10-for-16 on 3-pointers, and 19-for-24 at the line.

Edge: Rebels

SMALL FORWARD

COREY BAILEY, UNLV — BRANDON RUSH, KANSAS

Rush, a 6-6 junior, recently declared his intentions to enter the NBA Draft. He was inconsistent for most of the season but has become more aggressive recently, averaging 21.7 points in the past three games. Rush made four 3-pointers and led the Jayhawks with 18 points in a first-round victory over Portland State. Bailey, a 6-5 senior, is dependable on the defensive end and tends to disappear on offense. Bailey has totaled just 14 points in the past four games.

Edge: Jayhawks

POWER FORWARD

RENE ROUGEAU, UNLV — DARRELL ARTHUR, KANSAS

A physical rebounder and shot blocker, the 6-9, 225-pound Arthur often dominates in the paint. He averaged 16.5 points and shot 14-for-19 in the Jayhawks’ past two games. The 6-6, 205-pound Rougeau has been quicker than most big men he has faced, but Arthur has an advantage over Rougeau in athletic ability and has the size to contain the Rebels’ most aggressive player. Rougeau, who has 40 rebounds in the past four games, must avoid foul trouble and make mid-range jumpers to be effective.

Edge: Jayhawks

POWER FORWARD

JOE DARGER, UNLV — DARNELL JACKSON, KANSAS

At 6-8 and 250 pounds, Jackson gives the Jayhawks an interior force the Rebels lack. Jackson, who averages a team-high 6.7 rebounds and shoots 62.5 percent from the field, can muscle his way through Darger and get to the rim. The key for Darger, 6-7 and 225 pounds, will be whether he can knock down 3-point shots and pull Jackson away from the basket. Darger has shot 7-for-14 from 3-point range in the past two games. This matchup could be a big factor in the game.

Edge: Jayhawks

BENCH

Matt Shaw, the Rebels’ 6-8 sophomore forward, will be an important player, mostly because of his interior defense and partly because he can surprise the opposition by stepping out to hit 3-pointers. Freshman guard Kendall Wallace, who scored five points in each of the past two games, also needs to contribute. The Jayhawks have more depth and talent beyond their starting five. They bring guard Sherron Collins and 6-11 center Sasha Kaun off the bench to play significant minutes.

Edge: Jayhawks

INTANGIBLES

The Jayhawks are playing close to their Lawrence, Kan., campus and might as well have home-court advantage. The Rebels are hoping to get support from Kansas State fans in attendance. The top-seeded Jayhawks faced a tougher schedule and are obviously the more talented offensive team. The Rebels claim they won’t be intimidated, but they must prove it by getting off to a good start. If they don’t start well, the game could get out of control.

Edge: Jayhawks

COACHING

By forcing bigger opponents to play small ball, UNLV’s Lon Kruger has expanded the potential of a team with size limitations. Kansas’ Bill Self has a more talented roster, but he always has talent and has not reached a Final Four. Kruger can target weaknesses and find ways to exploit them. He also gets the Rebels to play tough defense.

Edge: Rebels

MATT YOUMANS/REVIEW-JOURNAL