The Kansas State Wildcats (10-3, 0-1 Big 12) travel to No. 11 Texas Tech to play the Red Raiders (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they defeated the Kennesaw State Owls, 56-41. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.2 vs. 24.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.083 vs. 0.058). With 15 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Barry Brown Jr. was the game’s high scorer.
The Red Raiders dismantled the UIW Cardinals in their last outing, 87-37. The Red Raiders had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.675 vs. 0.286) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.2 vs. 34.6). Jarrett Culver was the top scorer from either team with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field.
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the nation’s top defenses clash. Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency (77.4) and Kansas State is seventh (86.7).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Dean Wade (0 points) has been stellar for the Wildcats while Culver (0 points) has made great contributions to the Red Raiders.
After the Red Raiders won both meetings against the Wildcats last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, Texas Tech won 66-47. Texas Tech launched 15 three pointers, making seven of them (46.7 percent), while Kansas State was just 3-17 (17.6 percent).
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas Tech ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.8) while Kansas State ranks 160th (2.1).
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).
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 ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Kansas State ranks 39th (31.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.2, up from 7.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 48.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
+++++
