betdsiArticles, Basketball, College Basketball

Big 12 foes will collide when the Kansas State Wildcats (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) challenge the Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 146 points with Kansas State opening as a 4-point favorite. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNews.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview

The Cowboys defeated the Iowa State Cyclones in their last game, 96-87. Jeffrey Carroll was Oklahoma State’s leading scorer with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Oklahoma State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.3 (better than their season average of 15.9) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.507 (below their season average of 0.517). For those same stats, Iowa State was 15.4 and 0.449, respectively.

The last time the Wildcats played, they were topped by the No. 18 Texas Tech Red Raiders, 74-58. Barry Brown was Kansas State’s high scorer with 24 points on 6-for-12 shooting. Texas Tech’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Kansas State. The Red Raiders had a rate of 31.6 (below their season average of 36.0), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 20.7 (below their season average of 31.6).

Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this showdown. Kansas State commits the 58th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the pesky defense of Oklahoma State forces the 44th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 22.6 percent). This game should be a showdown of contrasting styles. The fast-paced Cowboys rank 48th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Wildcats rank 332nd.

Games including these teams have typically finished under the O/U total. Oklahoma State games have gone under 75.0 percent of the time, while 58.3 percent of Kansas State games have finished under. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (11-4 for Oklahoma State; 11-4 for Kansas State), but the Cowboys have the edge against the spread (ATS). Oklahoma State is 5-7 ATS, while the Wildcats are 3-9.

Carroll has been superb over the last five games for Oklahoma State, averaging 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year, after splitting two games last season. In the last contest, the Cowboys won 80-68. The Cowboys played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 and a turnover percentage of 14.6. The Wildcats recorded marks of 32.4 and 18.4, respectively, for those same stats.

Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas State Wildcats Odds Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – Oklahoma State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Wildcats rank 61st in assists per game (15.6) while the Cowboys rank 94th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
  • Kansas State is fifth in the NCAA with 1.9 blocks allowed per game while Oklahoma State is 17th with 2.3 blocks allowed per game.
  • Oklahoma State is 1-3 ATS on the road, while Kansas State is 1-4 ATS at home.
  • In 4 road games, the Cowboys have 3 unders and 1 over.
  • The Wildcats have 3 unders and 2 overs in 5 home games.
  • Oklahoma State ranks 60th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Kansas State ranks 236th (32.4).
  • The Cowboys rank 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.1) while the Wildcats rank 116th in three pointers allowed per game (21.7).
  • Kansas State averages 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. Oklahoma State ranks 94th in steals allowed per game (6.3).

Betting Trends:

  • Kansas State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
  • Over their last five games, Oklahoma State is 1-3 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
  • The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 11.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 87.4 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.6 points per game (13.3 above their season average).