Kansas State vs Kansas Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions
Big 12 Conference Leaders Await Visit From In-State Rival
K-State Eyes Statement Win at Kansas
The Kansas State Wildcats were on a two-game winning streak before falling to Oklahoma State in overtime the last time they hit the court. They now sit at 14-12 on the year with just four games left.
While they aren’t a factor for March Madness odds, they can still derail a big rival. If they can knock off the No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks, it’ll send ripples through the rankings.
Kansas is on a three-game winning streak and hase won five out of their last six games overall. Are the Jayhawks the right choice here for those who bet online?
Kansas State Relies On Shooting
The Wildcats were able to keep it close with the Jayhawks in the previous matchup due to their shooting. Kansas State takes the most three-pointers per game out of any team in the Big 12.
They rely upon the three-ball so much and can stay competitive in big games when the shots are falling. However, Kansas and its defense will be better prepared this time around.
Nijel Pack is the player to watch for the Wildcats. The guard is averaging 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 42.9 percent shooting from behind the arc.
He leads the team in scoring with the next closest player being Mark Smith at 12.3 points per game.
Kansas Wants No. 1 Seed
The Jayhawks have five games left to play in the regular season and are already two games ahead of second in the Big 12. If they can close the season strong, they’ll have a good opportunity to claim a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Kansas can’t sleep on the Wildcats, though. They will need to stay prepared in order to clinch the top spot versus a pesky rival.
Guard Ochai Agbaji leads the team in scoring with averages of 20.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game on 50.3 percent shooting.
His performance is always key to giving the team an opportunity to win.
Kansas State vs Kansas Head-to-Head
Kansas has dominated the all-time series against Kansas State. The Jayhawks have a record of 202-94 against the Wildcats, so that gives you a clear indication of how things play out typically.
Kansas State also hasn’t been able to beat Kansas on the road since 2006, so keep that in mind before you make your college basketball picks.
Kansas State vs Kansas Betting Information
- Game: Kansas State Wildcats (14-12) at Kansas Jayhawks (22-4)
- Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- Day/Time: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
- Television: ESPN2
Kansas State vs Kansas Prediction
Kansas is entering this game as solid 12½-point favorites in the sportsbook. This isn’t all too surprising considering that they have gotten the better of Kansas State throughout this past decade.
However, it doesn’t seem likely that the Wildcats will be blown out in this game. They were able to keep it close against Kansas the entire time earlier in the season.
Kansas State’s three-point shooting is what keeps the team close in games, and while the Wildcats are the inferior team, rivalry games can offer great motivation.
Kansas seems very likely to win this game, but Kansas State is going to be able to cover the spread here.
