NCAAB: Kansas at Kansas State Predictions – Monday, Feb. 5

Oklahoma State Cowboys center Brandon Garrison (23) defends Kansas Jayhawks center Hunter Dickinson (1) during a college basketball game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Kansas Jayhawks at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Okla., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
Image Credit: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

We have your Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kansas State Wildcats prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Kansas Jayhawks hit the road to face the Kansas State Wildcats.

The Kansas Jayhawks (18-4) are set to face off against the Kansas State Wildcats (14-8) in a heated Big 12 rivalry game. With Kansas looking to extend their impressive 15-game winning streak and Kansas State eager to halt a 1-game slide, this matchup at Bramlage Coliseum promises to be a clash of wills.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kansas State Wildcats Odds Info

Game Info

  • Date: Monday, Feb. 05
  • Time: 09:00 PM ET
  • Location: Bramlage Coliseum – Manhattan, KS
  • TV: ESPN

Kansas Jayhawks Betting Trends

  • On the road, Kansas Jayhawks are 2 and 3 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Kansas Jayhawks are 10 and 11.
  • Against the spread on the road, Kansas Jayhawks are 3 and 5.

Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends

  • At home, Kansas State Wildcats are 10 and 2 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Kansas State Wildcats are 10 and 12.
  • Against the spread at home, Kansas State Wildcats are 6 and 9.

Kansas at Kansas State Predictions

The Kansas Jayhawks enter the game with a strong record, showcasing their offensive prowess with a second-place ranking in field goal percentage (51.5%) and leading the nation in assists. The Jayhawks’ offensive machine is powered by Kevin McCullar Jr., who averages 19.7 points per game, and the formidable presence of Hunter Dickinson in the paint, who pulls down 11.1 rebounds per game. Their recent victory over Houston highlighted their ability to dominate against top-tier defenses, setting the stage for a challenging face-off against the Wildcats.

Kansas State, on the other hand, has had a rough patch with a four-game losing streak that they’re desperate to snap. Despite their struggles, they remain a threat at home with a 10-2 record at Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats will rely heavily on the contributions of Cam Carter, who leads the team with 15.8 points per game, and Arthur Kaluma’s 7.1 rebounds per game to anchor their defense. However, their offensive efficiency has room for improvement, currently standing at 260th in the nation with an average of 72.0 points per game.

This game will not only test Kansas State’s ability to defend their home court but also challenge Kansas’ capacity to maintain their high-octane offense on the road. Key matchups to watch include the battle inside between Dickinson and Kaluma, as well as the guard play where Dajuan Harris Jr.’s playmaking for Kansas will be critical against Kansas State’s defense. With both teams looking to assert their dominance in the Big 12, this game is more than just a regular-season matchup; it’s a statement game for both programs.

Kansas at Kansas State Picks

The under is the smart play in this matchup, considering the recent trends and the defensive capabilities of both teams. Kansas State’s offense has been struggling, averaging just 61 points per game during their four-game losing streak, and they face a Kansas defense that ranks in the top 20 in adjusted defensive efficiency.

The Wildcats will likely aim to slow down the pace to limit Kansas’ offensive opportunities, which aligns with their slower-paced offense and their need to reduce offensive variance. On the other side, Kansas, despite their offensive prowess, could face challenges on the road, where they have a less dominant record.

The Jayhawks’ shooting performance against Houston was exceptional, but replicating such efficiency consistently, especially in a hostile environment like Bramlage Coliseum, is a tall order. Additionally, the historical head-to-head has seen the over hit in the last four meetings, but with Kansas State’s current offensive woes and Kansas potentially facing a letdown after a big win, this game sets up well for a lower-scoring affair.

The Pick: Under 144.5 (FanDuel)