The No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks (17-4, 6-2 Big 12) visit Kansas State to take on the Wildcats (16-5, 5-3 Big 12) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game can be seen on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 29, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 147 points with Kansas set as a 2-point favorite.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kansas State Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Jayhawks will be hoping for similar success after beating the Texas A&M Aggies in their last game, 79-68. The Jayhawks had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 14.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.581 vs. 0.477). Kansas was led by Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The last time the Wildcats played, they were victorious over the Georgia Bulldogs, 56-51. The Wildcats made 17 of their 19 free throws (89.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 15.0). Dean Wade was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the nation’s top offenses battle. Kansas State ranks 28th with 115.1 points per 100 possessions and Kansas is 15th (117.4). Furthermore, the Jayhawks commit the 31st-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the gambling defense of the Wildcats causes the 35th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent).
Kansas heads into the contest with records of 17-4 straight up (SU) and 11-9 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total high when the Jayhawks are involved, as 11 of their 20 games have gone under the projected point total.
Kansas State has a superb 16-5 SU record, but they are just 8-10 ATS. Wildcats games also tend to finish under the O/U total (61.1 percent).
Wade has averaged 19.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks over the last five games for Kansas State.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Udoka Azubuike recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in the first matchup, in which the Jayhawks beat the Wildcats 73-72 but were not able to cover as 12.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 145 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 149.5 points. Kansas did a fantastic job of making free throws (15-17; 88.2 percent). Kansas State, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 vs. 30.8).
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Kansas is 5-4 ATS with 7 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Kansas State is 4-5 ATS 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).
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 NCAA. Kansas ranks 64th in steals allowed per game (5.6).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Kansas is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Kansas State is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 13.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
