Kansas State vs. Kansas: Best Bet & Predictions

Kansas Jayhawks (16-6 SU, 11-11 ATS) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (11-11 SU, 12-10 ATS)

When: Saturday, February 8th, 2:00 PM (ET)

Where: Bramlage Coliseum, KS, Manhattan

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: KAN -4.5/KANST +4.5

Total: 140.5

Money Line: Kansas Jayhawks -206/+167

Notable Injuries

Jayhawks

• Zach Clemence (Out) Groin
• Noah Shelby (Out) Undisclosed
• Elmarko Jackson (Out) Knee
• Jamari McDowell (Out) Redshirt

Wildcats

Recent Form

Kansas Jayhawks Recent Game/Games

Kansas improved to 16-6 on the season with a 69-52 win over Iowa State on Monday. The Jayhawks, who were -3 favorites, covered the spread at home. The game’s total points of 121 fell well short of the 146.5 O/U line.

Kansas took control early, leading 35-19 at halftime. They scored 34 points in the 2nd half while allowing 33, maintaining their lead throughout the game.

Kansas State Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Kansas State evened their record at 11-11 with a narrow 71-70 win over Arizona State on Tuesday. The Wildcats, who were +3 point underdogs going into the game, not only pulled off the win but also covered the spread. The total points for the game finished at 141, just over the pre-game O/U line of 140.5.

Kansas State led 35-32 at halftime and scored 36 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38 points to the Sun Devils. Despite being outscored in the 2nd half, the Wildcats managed to hold on for the win.

Analysis

Kansas put up 69 points in their latest game, shooting 47.3% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%. They were particularly strong from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their threes (9/18) while connecting on 72.7% of their free throws (8/11). The Jayhawks also grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and dished out 17 assists.

Zeke Mayo led the way with 17 points, hitting 5 of 6 from deep and adding eight rebounds and three assists. Hunter Dickinson contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field. Dajuan Harris Jr. was efficient, shooting 66.7% and finishing with 12 points and four assists.

Despite Kansas allowing 52 points, they gave up a 47% shooting performance, with the opponent hitting 26 of 55 shots. Inside the arc, Kansas allowed 17 of 37 attempts, resulting in 45% shooting.

From three-point range, the opponent connected on 9 of 18 shots, shooting 50%. They also went 8 of 11 from the free-throw line, making 72% of their attempts. Kansas gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Kansas State put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 55.2%, and they connected on 70% of their free throws, going 7-for-10 from the line.

David N’Guessan led the way with 22 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the field. Alston Mason added 20 points and six assists, while BJ Freeman contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The Wildcats finished with 20 assists as a team.

Despite giving up 70 points, Kansas State’s defense held their opponent to just 38% shooting from the field, with 22 made field goals on 57 attempts.

From beyond the arc, the Wildcats allowed 12 threes on 37 attempts, a 32% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 14 for 66%.

Betting Trends

• In their last five road games, Kansas has averaged 70 points per game while allowing 60. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
• When looking at their past ten home matchups, Kansas State has an ATS record of 5-5 while averaging 69 per game. The team went 2-8 overall in these games.
• As the betting underdog, the Wildcats have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight-up record was 2-1.
• In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Jayhawks have a strong straight-up record of 5-0. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Kansas beat this K-State squad back on January 18th by 10 points. But since then, they’ve just 2-2, including barely squeaking by UCF at home. On the other side, Kansas State is playing some of their best basketball of the season, and I like them to cover this line of +4.5.