It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the 11th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) clash against the Kansas State Wildcats (10-3, 0-1 Big 12) at United Supermarkets Arena. Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Red Raiders dismantled the UIW Cardinals 87-37, while the Wildcats defeated the Kennesaw State Owls 56-41.
Kansas State dominated every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 and a free throw rate of 0.083. Kennesaw State was 24.3 and 0.058, respectively, for those same stats. Texas Tech, on the other hand, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.675 and a turnover percentage of 18.2. UIW recorded marks of 0.286 and 34.6, respectively, for those same stats. Texas Tech rallied around Jarrett Culver, who had 16 points. Barry Brown Jr., meanwhile had a good game for Kansas State, contributing 15 points and six rebounds.
The Red Raiders dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, Texas Tech won 66-47. Texas Tech’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Kansas State. The Red Raiders had a rate of 0.519 while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.322. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Wildcats’ Dean Wade has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Culver has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Red Raiders.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between a pair of the nation’s premier defenses. Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency (77.4) and Kansas State is seventh (86.7).
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas Tech ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.8) while Kansas State ranks 160th (2.1).
- The Red Raiders lead the NCAA with 8.0 assists allowed per game while the Wildcats are 47th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
- Texas Tech is 21st in the NCAA with 30.8 rebounds allowed per game while Kansas State is 39th with 31.7 rebounds allowed per game.
- The Red Raiders rank 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while the Wildcats rank 149th (23.4).
- Texas Tech ranks 49th in steals per game (7.8) while Kansas State ranks 134th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 26.8, up from 21.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
