The Kansas State Wildcats (8-1) and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-4) face off at Intrust Bank Arena. Kansas State is a 9.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147.5 points. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Kansas State Wildcats ATS Preview
In the Golden Hurricane’s last contest, they were beaten by the Illinois State Redbirds, 65-58. With 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting, Junior Etou was Tulsa’s leading scorer. Illinois State forced the Golden Hurricane into a turnover percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 15.8). Tulsa, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 29.2).
The Wildcats come in on a high note after blowing out the USC Upstate Spartans in their last contest, 86-49. Kansas State received a boost from Dean Wade, who recorded 13 points and seven rebounds. Kansas State played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.237 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.0 (below their season average of 33.3). For those same stats, USC Upstate was 0.058 and 16.1, respectively.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Kansas State ranks 323rd in possessions per game (66.8) and Tulsa is 272nd (68.2) dating back to last season. Moreover, the Golden Hurricane rank 317th in turnover percentage (21.5 percent), while the Wildcats rank 11th in opponents turnover percentage (22.9 percent).
Of Tulsa’s 6 games with betting action, five have finished over the projected point total, while 3 of Kansas State’s 6 games have finished over the O/U total. The Wildcats have the superior straight up (SU) record (8-1 vs. 4-4), but the Golden Hurricane hold the sizable advantage against the spread (ATS) (3-3 vs. 2-4).
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Kansas State Wildcats Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Kansas State, ATS Winner – Tulsa, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Golden Hurricane rank 187th in rebounds per game (35.4) while the Wildcats rank 275th (32.5).
- Kansas State averages 20.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 140th in the NCAA. Tulsa ranks 225th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
- Kansas State ranks 16th in steals per game (7.9) while Tulsa ranks 276th (4.5).
- The Wildcats rank 26th in assists per game (15.3) while the Golden Hurricane rank 263rd (11.8).
- Kansas State ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while Tulsa ranks 212th (4.0).
