Categories
NCAAB

Kansas St. vs. Kansas Free Pick – Odds & NCAA Basketball Predictions

KState vs KU CBB Hoops Handicapping

College basketball rivals don’t get any bigger than the ones in the state of Kansas, and the biggest will be taking place this Saturday when the unranked Kansas State Wildcats take on No. 16 Kansas at legendary and loud Allen Fieldhouse. [ad-4468020]

Date/Time: 2 p.m. EST, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
Broadcast: ESPN
Spread: KU -9.5
Over/Under: OFF
Odds From [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

ATS Matchup Insight | CappersPicks Insider Preview

The Wildcats (12-3) arrive in Lawrence with one of college basketball’s stingiest defenses, which is allowing just 58 points per game, while holding opponents to 39.2 percent shooting from the field and 25.1 percent from 3-point range.

That defense has helped Kansas State to 10 consecutive wins for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.

But besides playing good “D,” the Wildcats have also been getting it done offensively as well, behind a big effort from guard Marcus Foster, who averages a team-best 14.1 points per game.

Check out our in-house Handicapper!!! Buy Razor Ray’s NCAA HOOPS Season Package Today!

Also pitching in, are forwards Thomas Gipson (team-best 6.5 rebounds per game) and Shane Southwell who is also averaging in double digits as well.

However, one weakness could be exposed against the Jayhawks, as three of Kansas State’s five starters shoot less than 40 percent from the field. Meaning tempo will be key.
[ad-6571516]
If the Jayhawks (10-4) can increase the tempo, KSU will need to work their depth.

Kansas will also look to use its advantage on the boards, a place where it has outrebounded 12 of 14 opponents, while outboarding them by an average of margin of 6.9 per game.

Nevertheless, with all that Kansas will need to overcome some mental obstacles, which will likely be lingering from its last game played at home, as things didn’t go so well, as it had a 68-game home nonconference winning streak snapped by San Diego State last Sunday.

Still, the Jayhawks rebounded with a nice 90-83 road win over Oklahoma in its Big 12 opener three days later as guard Wayne Selden Jr. poured in a career-high 24 points, while making five 3-pointers to raise his season average to 9.6 points per game.

The Jayhawks offense which is averaging 78.6 per outing will be tested however, by Kansas State who has held nine opponents to 60 or fewer points.

Free Pick: Kansas-

The Wildcats are playing only their second road game of the season, the first resulting in a 65-47 win over Texas Christian on Tuesday.

Unfortunately for them it will be at one of the toughest arenas in all of college basketball.

And while the Jayhawks figure to receive a real test from the red-hot Wildcats, they do hold the historical advantage, winning the last five meetings against their instate rival, and are 21-3 against the Wildcats during 11th-year coach Bill Self’s tenure.

By Matt Martz

Matt has returned to CappersPicks.com. The pull was too great. He missed providing his free picks and insider sports gambling analysis to his loyal readers. Please take it easy on him till he gets back into his groove. Cheers!