The Kansas State Wildcats (11-3, 1-1 Big 12) head to Texas Tech to take on the No. 18 Red Raiders (13-1, 2-0 Big 12) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Kansas State Wildcats at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last contest, they were topped by the No. 6 West Virginia Mountaineers, 77-69. West Virginia’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Kansas State. The Mountaineers had a rate of 34.6 (below their season average of 38.0), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 25.6 (below their season average of 32.2). Dean Wade had a solid performance for Kansas State, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Red Raiders beat the No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks in their last contest, 85-73. The Red Raiders, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1, had a phenomenal mark of 46.2, while the Jayhawks had a turnover percentage of 18.7 (above their season average of 14.3). Keenan Evans was Texas Tech’s high scorer with 15 points on 4-for-16 shooting.
This showdown figures to be a shootout as two of the nation’s best offenses square off. Texas Tech ranks 35th with 115.8 points per 100 possessions and Kansas State is 33rd (116.4). Additionally, the Wildcats rank 33rd in turnover percentage (16.4 percent), while the Red Raiders rank eighth in opponents’ turnover percentage (25.4 percent).
Zhaire Smith has averaged 12.8 points and 1.6 blocks over the last five games for Texas Tech.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wildcats won the most recent game 61-48. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (17.3 vs. 24.9) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.490 vs. 0.422).
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas Tech ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.9) while Kansas State ranks 85th (12.3).
The Wildcats average 23.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 103rd in the NCAA. The Red Raiders rank 145th in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
Texas Tech is 20th in the nation with 30.9 rebounds allowed per game while Kansas State is 49th with 32.4 rebounds allowed per game.
The Wildcats are 27th in the nation with 5.1 steals allowed per game while the Red Raiders are 53rd with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
Kansas State is fourth in the NCAA with 1.9 blocks allowed per game while Texas Tech is 22nd with 2.3 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 13.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
