The No. 8 Creighton Bluejays (21-11) go head-to-head against the No. 9 Kansas State Wildcats (22-11) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Spectrum Center. The game begins at 6:50 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 144.5 points with Creighton set as a 1.5-point favorite.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Creighton Bluejays Free Prediction
The Wildcats are hoping for a better outcome after their 83-67 loss to the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks in the . Kansas’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Kansas State. The Jayhawks had a rate of 26.5 (below their season average of 29.4), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 15.2 (below their season average of 26.6). Makol Mawien was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 13-for-19 shooting.
In the , the Bluejays were beaten by the Providence Friars, 72-68. Providence won the rebounding battle. The Friars had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. seven) and total rebounds (45 vs. 39). With 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting, Marcus Foster was the top scorer from either team.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this matchup. Creighton has preferred an up-tempo style of play (34th in possessions per game), while Kansas State has been slower-paced (316th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Wildcats rank 272nd in offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 percent), while the Bluejays rank 32nd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent).
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Creighton Bluejays Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Creighton, ATS Winner – Kansas State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Creighton ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Kansas State ranks 209th (20.2).
The Bluejays rank 114th in rebounds per game (36.3) while the Wildcats rank 302nd (30.6).
Kansas State ranks 21st in steals per game (7.8) while Creighton ranks 172nd (5.7).
The Bluejays rank sixth in assists per game (18.0) while the Wildcats rank 109th (14.3).
Kansas State ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Creighton ranks 70th (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Kansas State has defeated opponents by an average of 4.5 points.
During their last five games, the Bluejays have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
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