Offense meets defense when the Kansas State Wildcats (16-6, 5-4 Big 12) travel to West Virginia to take on the No. 15 Mountaineers (16-6, 5-4 Big 12). Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Kansas State Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview
In the Wildcats last contest, they were beaten by the No. 7 Kansas Jayhawks, 70-56. With 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting, Dean Wade was Kansas State’s leading scorer. Kansas did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (19-26; 73.1 percent). Kansas State, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 9.1 (better than their season average of 14.8).
The Mountaineers are hoping for a better outcome after their 93-77 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in their last contest. Jevon Carter was West Virginia’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Iowa State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.707 (above their season average of 0.500). West Virginia, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.0 (above their season average of 36.6).
Ball protection could play a key role in this contest. West Virginia commits the 30th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Kansas State forces the 31st-most (opponents turnover percentage of 22.6 percent). Also, the Wildcats rank 38th in offensive efficiency (113.7), while the Mountaineers rank 23rd in defensive efficiency (94.9).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Wildcats, it’s been Wade, who has averaged 21.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks, while the Mountaineers have received solid contributions from Sagaba Konate (12.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.4 blocks).
These teams have already met once this season. The Mountaineers won 77-69. The Mountaineers offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats. West Virginia had a rate of 34.6, while Kansas State posted a mark of 25.6. In the victory, Teddy Allen led all scorers with 22 points.
Kansas State Wildcats at West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Prediction
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Wildcats rank 21st in steals per game (8.1) while the Mountaineers rank 60th in steals allowed per game (5.5).
- West Virginia ranks 68th in assists per game (15.4) while Kansas State ranks 91st in assists allowed per game (12.5).
- West Virginia ranks 35th in rebounds per game (39.2) while Kansas State ranks 274th (30.5).
- The Mountaineers rank 29th in three pointers attempted per game (26.7) while the Wildcats rank 164th (21.5).
- Kansas State ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while West Virginia ranks 141st (3.9).
Betting Trends:
- The Mountaineers have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, West Virginia has defeated opponents by an average of 12.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
