It will be a battle between Big 12 opponents when the Kansas State Wildcats (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) welcome the Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) to Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, and will air on ESPNews.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 146 points with Kansas State opening as a 4-point favorite.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas State Wildcats Betting Prediction
The Cowboys come in on a high note after topping the Iowa State Cyclones in their last matchup, 96-87. The Cowboys forced 15 turnovers and held the Cyclones to an effective field goal percentage of 0.449 (below their season average of 0.506). With 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Jeffrey Carroll led Oklahoma State in scoring.
The last time the Wildcats played, they fell to the No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders, 74-58. Texas Tech’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Kansas State. The Red Raiders had a rate of 31.6 (below their season average of 36.0), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 20.7 (below their season average of 31.6). With 24 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Barry Brown was Kansas State’s leading scorer.
Ball security could play an integral role in this battle. Kansas State commits the 58th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of Oklahoma State forces the 44th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent). It will also be a tale of two paces as the fast-breaking Cowboys rank 48th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Wildcats rank 332nd.
Oklahoma State is 11-4 straight up (SU), but they have a hard time covering the spread (5-7 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Cowboys’ 12 games that accepted bets, nine have finished under the projected point total.
Kansas State is 11-4 SU, but they have difficulty covering the spread (3-9 ATS). Games featuring the Wildcats also tend to finish under the projected point total (58.3 percent).
Carroll has averaged 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Oklahoma State.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Cowboys won 80-68. The Cowboys had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.2 vs. 32.4) and had a better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 18.4).
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Kansas State Wildcats Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – Oklahoma State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma State is 1-3 ATS on the road with 3 unders and 1 over.
At home, Kansas State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Oklahoma State ranks 60th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Kansas State ranks 236th (32.4).
The Cowboys average 26.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 37th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 116th in three pointers allowed per game (21.7).
Kansas State ranks 26th in steals per game (8.3) while Oklahoma State ranks 94th in steals allowed per game (6.3).
The Wildcats rank 61st in assists per game (15.6) while the Cowboys rank 94th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
Kansas State ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while Oklahoma State ranks 17th (2.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma State is 1-3 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
Kansas State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 9.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (7.5 above their season average).
