The Kansas State Wildcats (10-4, 0-2 Big 12) and the West Virginia Mountaineers (8-6, 0-2 Big 12) battle at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats look to prolong their six-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas State Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Wildcats defeated the Kennesaw State Owls, 56-41, while the Mountaineers were beaten by the Buffalo Bulls, 99-94.
Kansas State dominated every facet of 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. West Virginia, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (25-35; 71.4 percent). Barry Brown Jr. had a good game for Kansas State, finishing with 15 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, West Virginia received a boost from Lamont West, who contributed 22 points and nine rebounds.
The Mountaineers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent game, West Virginia won 89-51. West Virginia’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Kansas State. The Mountaineers had a rate of 0.647 while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.394. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Mountaineers’ Esa Ahmad has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Dean Wade has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Wildcats.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Kansas State should have a significant edge. The Wildcats defense ranks 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while the West Virginia offense is ranked 251st in effective field goal percentage (0.494). It could also be a mistake-prone game for the offense of the Mountaineers, which ranks 320th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.2 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Wildcats, which forces the 47th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.7 percent).
West Virginia vs. Kansas State Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kansas State, ATS Winner – Kansas State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia ranks 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while Kansas State ranks 233rd (19.4).
- The Wildcats rank 71st in steals per game (7.3) while the Mountaineers rank 165th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
- Kansas State ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while West Virginia ranks 83rd (12.2).
- The Mountaineers rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Wildcats rank 160th (2.1).
- West Virginia ranks 15th in rebounds per game (41.6) while Kansas State ranks 130th (36.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 81.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.2, up from 6.4 for the season.
