Kansas vs. Oklahoma State Predictions ATS 1/4/22

Kansas Jayhawks (11-1 SU, 6-6 ATS) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-4 SU, 4-7 ATS)

When: Tuesday, January 4, 9 p.m.

Where: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Okla.

TV: ESPN2

Point Spread: KU -6.5/OKST +6.5 (SportsBetting – <—-Awesome Live Betting!)

Moneyline: KU -270/OKST +220

Total: 146

Last Time Out:

Kansas knocked off George Mason 76-67; Oklahoma State lost 72-61 to Houston

About the Matchup:

This is seldom an easy trip south for the Jayhawks, as Bill Selfs alma mater tends to play Kansas pretty tough whether the game is in Lawrence or Stillwater. However, with Cade Cunningham now in Detroit, the Cowboys have taken a step back and are struggling to get the offense to catch up with the defense. Oklahoma State is staying in games because it forces opponents to take bad shots, but the offense just isnt scoring enough to handle better teams.

Kansas appears to be on track to once again challenge for the Big 12 title, as the Jayhawks have breezed through seven straight wins since a loss to Dayton at Thanksgiving. The record might seem a tad deceptive because Kansas hasnt played any name opponents except Missouri (which is a disaster in every way this season), but the Jayhawks have played some solid mid-majors and taken care of business to date. However, the defense has to get better, as Kansas is allowing 67 points per game despite holding three opponents in the 50s. The Jayhawks have been efficient on offense for the most part, but they also havent faced a defense as strong as the Cowboys and theyre facing a genuine hostile environment for the first time all year (they did play St. Johns on Long Island, but that doesnt really count).

Scouting the Jayhawks:

Kansas was expected to be built around Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack this season, but only half of the equation has worked out this season. Agbaji has averaged 20.6 points per game and served as the Jayhawks leader, but McCormack hasnt really been that strong of a presence on the interior. That says that Kansas has room to grow despite being 11-1, but with the way the Jayhawks are playing right now, Kansas is a bit too easy to guard if either Agbaji or Christian Braun has a bad night.

So far, that hasnt happened, but the Jayhawks also havent exactly faced a murderers row of defenses. The Big 12 is a defense-heavy league on the hardwood, and Kansas simply isnt going to be able to outscore its opponents as the schedule beefs up with defense-first teams.

Scouting the Cowboys:

If the Cowboys could shoot from deep at all, theyd be downright dangerous. However, they cant, hitting just 28.4 percent from behind the arc. Only Avery Anderson shoots above 31 percent from the arc, and the Cowboys have an extreme turnover problem, coughing the ball up 16.5 times per game.

What helps Oklahoma State get results is that the Cowboys boast a strong commitment to defense and have the speed to match it, notching 10.8 steals per game and holding opponents under 40 percent from the floor. Thats helped the Cowboys stay in games, but its also allowed some lesser teams to stick right with them. The Pokes needed overtime to get by Cleveland State, and they came up a point short at home against Oakland.

Kansas will Cover If: The Jayhawks can get their inside presence going. McCormack has the talent to take over a game; he just hasnt done it yet this season. Whether its him or someone else, Kansas needs to take the game right at Oklahoma State and force the Cowboys to get desperate. If Kansas gets an early edge, its highly unlikely that Oklahoma State can battle back.

More Picks: Cash in on Dan’s Oklahoma at Baylor Projected Spread Winner >>>

Oklahoma State will Cover If: The Cowboys can force some turnovers and get their noses in front. Oklahoma State is not going to outshoot Kansas, but the Cowboys might be able to make the Jayhawks uncomfortable and force some uncharacteristic errors. If the Cowboys get some extra possessions, theyll have a good chance.

Dan’s Best Prop Bets

This doesnt read like a high-scoring game. Kansas is likely going to be just fine playing at a more patient tempo and waiting for shots to come, as long as the Jayhawks are able to get their shots and stay ahead. The under holds a lot of value here.

Dans Pick to Cover the Spread

With low turnover numbers, Kansas really isnt the type of team that you can rattle with pressure. The Jayhawks have played a solid schedule to this point, handled it well and arent even playing at their best right now.

The history in Stillwater worries me a bit, but I think Kansas is just better. Give me the Jayhawks. Question: Are you laying -110 odds on your bets? OF COURSE YOU ARE! Did you know that you could be laying -105 instead? Making the switch to reduced juice sports betting will save you THOUSANDS of dollars over the year! Get rid of your overpriced bookie and start saving big today by registering for a betting account at BetAnySports!