The Kansas State Wildcats (16-6, 5-4 Big 12) visit West Virginia to take on the No. 15 Mountaineers (16-6, 5-4 Big 12) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against exceptional defense. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Kansas State Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Prediction
The last time the Wildcats played, they were defeated by the No. 7 Kansas Jayhawks, 70-56. Getting to the free throw line was one of Kansas’ biggest advantages. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Kansas State had just 11. Dean Wade led Kansas State in scoring with 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
The Mountaineers fell to the Iowa State Cyclones in their last contest, 93-77. Iowa State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over West Virginia. The Cyclones had a rate of 0.707 (above their season average of 0.500), while the Mountaineers posted a mark of 0.500. Jevon Carter had a good performance for West Virginia, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
Ball protection could play a key role in this meeting. West Virginia commits the 30th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Kansas State forces the 31st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent). Furthermore, the Wildcats rank 38th in offensive efficiency (113.7), while the Mountaineers rank 23rd in defensive efficiency (94.9).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Wade (21.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks) has been fantastic for the Wildcats while Sagaba Konate (12.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.4 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Mountaineers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Teddy Allen scored a game-high 22 points in the first game, in which the Mountaineers defeated the Wildcats 77-69. West Virginia had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.6 vs. 25.6). Kansas State, on the other hand, did a great job of making free throws (19-25; 76.0 percent).
Kansas State Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
West Virginia ranks 35th in rebounds per game (39.2) while Kansas State ranks 274th (30.5).
The Mountaineers rank 29th in three pointers attempted per game (26.7) while the Wildcats rank 164th (21.5).
Kansas State ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while West Virginia ranks 141st (3.9).
The Wildcats rank 21st in steals per game (8.1) while the Mountaineers rank 60th in steals allowed per game (5.5).
West Virginia averages 15.4 assists per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. Kansas State ranks 91st in assists allowed per game (12.5).
Betting Trends:
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 8.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (8.2 above their season average).
