The No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks (17-4, 6-2 Big 12) head to Kansas State to take on the Wildcats (16-5, 5-3 Big 12) in what should be a high-scoring game. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147 points with Kansas set as a 2-point favorite. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 29, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats ATS Preview
The Jayhawks were victorious over the Texas A&M Aggies in their last outing, 79-68. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk was the games high scorer with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Kansas dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 14.5) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.581 (below their season average of 0.583). Texas A&M was 16.9 and 0.477, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Wildcats last matchup, they topped the Georgia Bulldogs, 56-51. Kansas State was lifted by Dean Wade, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Kansas State played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.362 (above their season average of 0.264) and a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 15.0). For those same stats, Georgia was 0.167 and 15.7, respectively.
This matchup figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses square off. Kansas State currently ranks 28th with 115.1 points per 100 possessions and Kansas is 15th (117.4). Additionally, the Jayhawks commit the 31st-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Wildcats causes the 35th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 22.6 percent).
Both of these teams have a tendency to go under the projected point total. Games featuring Kansas have gone under 55.0 percent of the time, while 61.1 percent of Kansas State games have gone under. Both teams have superb straight up (SU) records (17-4 for Kansas; 16-5 for Kansas State), but the Jayhawks have the edge against the spread (ATS). Kansas is 11-9 ATS, while the Wildcats are 8-10.
Wade has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Kansas State, averaging 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 145 points, just under the projected point total of 149.5. The Jayhawks won 73-72, but were unable to cover as 13-point favorites. Kansas did a fantastic job of making free throws (15-17; 88.2 percent). Kansas State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 vs. 30.8). Udoka Azubuike was a top performer in the victory, with 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats Free Prediction
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Kansas State, ATS Winner – Kansas State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Jayhawks rank 11th in assists per game (17.7) while the Wildcats rank 78th (15.1).
- Kansas State averages 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 21st in the nation. Kansas ranks 64th in steals allowed per game (5.6).
- Kansas is 5-4 ATS on the road with 7 unders and 2 overs.
- Kansas State is 4-5 ATS at home with 6 unders and 3 overs.
- Kansas ranks 120th in rebounds per game (36.2) while Kansas State ranks 268th (30.4).
- The Jayhawks rank 38th in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while the Wildcats rank 171st (21.2).
- Kansas ranks 45th in blocks per game (4.5) while Kansas State ranks 140th (3.0).
Betting Trends:
- Kansas State is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Kansas is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 9.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (9.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
