Texas Longhorns (23-4), +3.5, o/u 147.5 @ Kansas State Wildcats (18-8), -3, o/u 147.5, Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kansas, 9 p.m. Eastern
By Oracle of Predictem.com
The Texas Longhorns look to keep their hopes alive for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament when they travel to Manhattan Kansas, that is to take on Kansas State at the Bramlage Coliseum on Monday. The game is a 9p.m. Eastern start on ESPN.
The Wildcats are looking to stop the bleeding, as they have lost 3 of their last 4 games, including a recent 92-86 loss to Baylor on Saturday. In that game, Michael Beasley (44 points) and Billy Walker (31 points) combined to score 75 of those 86 points. Its obvious K-State can score with the best of them, boasting the 17th best offense in the nation at 80.3 points per game. Theyll need more than just Beasley and Walker to step up if they want to beat a tough Texas squad. It will help that they are playing this game at home since they have an impressive 14-1 home record, including a win over Kansas.
Their bench scored just 5 points against Baylor and 4 points in a 71-64 loss to Nebraska last week, however. Depth will be a problem if they want to keep up with the Longhorns.
After a brief hiccup in the middle of their schedule, losing to two Big Ten teams in non-conference action, Texas has been solid in Big 12 play. They are currently riding a 7-game winning streak, including a W over Kansas, and two wins over Baylor who just beat Kansas State.
DO YOUR COLLEGE BASKETBALL BETTING AT SUPERBOOK
WHERE YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL WORK FOR DEPOSITS!
Most people know about guards D.J. Augustin (19.1 points, 6 assist per game) and A.J. Abrams (16.1 points, 1.8 steals) and their offensive firepower, but its the Longhorns defense that has helped them to their 23 wins.
They held Oklahoma to just 45 points in their win on Saturday. This followed a win against Texas A&M where they held the Aggies to just 50 points.
College Basketball Sportsbooks opened this game favoring Texas -3, with an o/u of 147.5.
Bettors should know by now that Kansas State has absolutely dominated the over (16-5 in the last 21 games). The over is also 5-0 in the Wildcats last 5 Big 12 games. Texas also likes the over. It has come in 5 of their past 6 road games.
The Longhorns have beaten the spread as of late. They are giving 3 points in this contest, but theyve covered in 6 straight games all against Big 12 opponents. Also, if bettors are weary of what days teams play on, Texas is 21-8 ATS in their past 29 Monday games. Overall on the year, Texas is 13-8 ATS, while Kansas State is 11-9.
Kansas State loves playing at home in Manhattan, so bettors may think twice about the spread that favors Texas, even though theyre hot right now. When looking at the over records for each team, it may be safer to take that route.
These two high-powered offenses should put on a good show tonight at Bramlage Coliseum. Both teams are sure-fire picks for the NCAA Tournament, but Texas has plenty to play for with a 1 game lead on Kansas in the Big 12 standings. Look for Augustin, Abrams and Damien James to lead Texas tonight. Also, if you want to watch the best freshman and possibly the best player in the country tonight, kick up your feet and watch Beasley do what he does best.
Oracles Pick: Texas Longhorns +3.5.