NCAA Midwest Regional in Kansas City: Who’s playing and when? Tickets, TV, preview

When the NCAA Tournament bracket was announced, the Midwest Regional at T-Mobile Center wasn’t part of the path for local schools Kansas, Kansas State or Missouri. But nearby teams like Iowa State, Iowa and Drake were part of the region.

Two victories for any of them meant a trip to Kansas City.

That didn’t happen. But the competition will be solid. The Midwest is the only regional remaining that includes the top three seeds: Houston, Texas and Xavier. Rounding out the field is fifth-seeded Miami, Fla., the ACC regular-season champion.

The games are Friday and Sunday. Here’s a look at the pairings and ticket information:

Friday

No. 1 seed Houston (33-3) vs. No. 5 Miami (27-7)

Tipoff: 6:15 p.m. (CBS)

How they got here: The Cougars defeated No. 16 Northern Kentucky 63-52 and No. 9 Auburn 81-64. Miami defeated No. 12 Drake 63-56 and No. 4 Indiana 85-69.

The matchup: Houston allows 56.6 points per game, second in the nation. Miami averages 79.1 points, the fourth most of any team remaining in the tournament.

Whose style will prevail? The Cougars have been dealing with injuries to guards Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead but starting the regional on a Friday provides extra rest. Miami guard Isaiah Wong was the ACC player of the year. Coaches Kelvin Sampson and Jim Larranaga have combined for more than 1,350 victories in 67 seasons.

No. 2 Texas (28-8) vs. No. 3 Xavier (27-9)

Tipoff: around 8:45 p.m. (CBS)

The Longhorns return to the building where they won the Big 12 tournament, and where Dylan Disu started becoming a major factor. He was named the tournament’s most outstanding player and has continued that surge in the NCAA, where he’s coming off a season-high 28-point game against Penn State.

Five Musketeers average in double figures led by Souley Boum at 16.5. Xavier is an excellent offensive team (81.1 points per game) with a true post in Jack Nunge, whose blocked shot preserved the first-round victory over Kennesaw State.

Sunday

Midwest Regional final

Tipoff: 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. (to be announced)

Tickets: Plenty remain. On the secondary market, prices started at $26. The absence of a local team — Xavier in Cincinnati is the closest at around 600 miles from Kansas City — should make plenty of tickets available this weekend.