The Kansas State Wildcats did not play well, but they played well enough to outlast the UMBC Retrievers, 50-43, on Sunday, March 18 in the second round of the March Madness. UMBC covered the spread as 10-point underdogs while the game went under the total of 135.5.
The Wildcats advanced to face the other Wildcats from Kentucky in the Sweet 16. Odds for that matchup will be released soon, but it is likely that Kentucky will be favorite, probably near 7 points, against Kansas State.
UMBC stayed close throughout this game and was within one score with nearly two minutes left before Kansas State scraped together a few baskets to create a small working margin and avoid drama in the final minute.
UMBC scored only 21 points in the first half against Virginia on Friday in its historic 16-over-1 seed upset. The Retrievers scored only 20 points in the first half of this game, but unlike the Virginia game, they did not bust loose in the second half in this game. Kansas State played 40 complete defensive minutes whereas Virginia offered only 20. Kansas State limited UMBC to 6 of 22 makes from three-point range. UMBC also hurt itself with a 9 of 18 shooting line from the free throw stripe. Kansas State was able to take advantage.
Barry Brown led the Wildcats with 18 points. Kansas State’s bench had only four points on a day when the Wildcats – playing without starting big man Dean Wade (injury) – were thinner than they normally are. They hope to get Wade back for the Sweet 16. Kansas State won in spite of going 1 for 12 from three-point range. The Wildcats were solid at the foul line, hitting 13 of 18 free throws. Kansas State committed 18 turnovers, which it must clean up against Kentucky.
Before the Tournament, Kansas State’s odds to win March Madness were at +30000 at BetDSI Sportsbook. With the win, that number should move to around +5000. Kentucky’s odds heading into the first round were +2300. They might be +1000 this week.
