Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes – USA TODAY Sports

Despite being a favorite on betting lines, the higher ranked seed, and by most accounts considered to be the better team, the Kansas Jayhawks entered into Thursday night’s Sweet 16 game against Maryland with upset alert level on high. Analysts and TV personalities were picking Maryland just before the game started and Kansas fans began to worry even more than they normally do when their team takes the floor.

No worries, the Jayhawks had their backs.

Perry Ellis matched a season-high with 27 points and KU used spectacular defense in the second half to lock down Maryland’s offense and come away with the 79-63 win. Offensively, Ellis and Wayne Selden, Jr., led the way and used a 9-0 run after the first few minutes of the final 20 to essentially put the Terps away.

Melo Trimble and Co., tried to chip away at KU’s lead, but Maryland was in foul trouble in the low post, making it impossible to guard Ellis, and Selden was completely in control of the perimeter offense, picking and choosing his spots to drive or pull up for jumpers.

With a 2 point lead at the half, KU went into the locker room looking as though they were the lucky ones. Maryland came out and took it to Kansas, not letting the Jayhawks get into any offensive flow, and turning the game into a dogfight.

As the teams came back out and play began, it appeared KU was the team to make some slight adjustments and figure out Maryland defensively.

The Terps were never able to do the same.

KU’s Devonte’ Graham was hampered by illness and cramps, leading to five turnovers and just two points in 37 minutes, but his defense in helping defend Trimble was good enough to secure a win.

Bill Self was also without the use of Brannen Greene, who sat with a nagging back injury.

With a matchup with Villanova set for Saturday night, Self could use Graham and Greene at full strength against a very balanced attack from the Wildcats.

Despite how well the Jayhawks have played thus far in the tournament, they will likely see plenty of talking heads picking Nova to pull the upset in Louisville. For a team that has won 17 games in a row and proven time and time again over the last 6 weeks that they are the real deal, they still have plenty of doubters.

Thankfully for this group, that only feeds the desire to reach the pinnacle of college basketball and a trip to Houston for the Final Four.

With one more win, Kansas will be on its way to the Final Four for the first time since 2012. Tickets For Less has Final Four tickets on sale now. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket purchases. As one of the great events in sports, the NCAA Final Four is an experience like no other and if your Kansas Jayhawks earn their way to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see them cut down the nets. Get your seats today and Go Jayhawks!