Can KU Jayhawks handle a desperate K-State team? Plus, betting odds & prediction
The No. 8-ranked University of Kansas men’s basketball team will travel to Manhattan on Monday night to play rival K-State.
The Jayhawks (18-4, 6-3 Big 12) dominated Houston on Saturday, while Kansas State lost to Oklahoma State.
KU leads the all-time series 201-95.
Below is a scouting report and prediction for the game:
No. 8 Kansas vs. Kansas State
When/where: 8 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum
TV/streaming: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 14-8, 4-5 Big 12
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 75
Betting line: Kansas is a 5.5-point favorite.
All statistics are from KenPom.com, Hoop-Math.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition.
Kansas State Team Strengths
Quality defense: The Wildcats rank No. 27 in adjusted defensive efficiency (97). Adjusted defensive efficiency is the amount of points given up per 100 possessions. In comparison, Kansas ranks No. 19 in the same category.
Elite against the long ball: Kansas State ranks No. 59 in 3-point defense, limiting opponents to just 31.5% from deep.
Glass cleaners: KSU ranks No. 31 in offensive rebounding percentage (34.9).
Kansas State Team Weaknesses
Turnover galore: Kansas State ranks No. 347 in turnover percentage (21.5).
Nothing easy on offense: KSU has an effective field goal percent of 49.3, ranking No. 203 in the nation.
Minutes turnover: The Wildcats don’t bring many familiar faces, with the team ranking No. 318 in minutes-continuity percentage (24.3%).
Kansas State Name to Know
6–foot-3 junior guard Cam Carter (No. 5)
+ Leading scorer (15.8 ppg)
+ Elite rebounder for his size (4.7 rebounds per game)
+ Good free-throw shooter (83.6% from the line)
+ Quick hands (1.7 steals per game)
- Not a great shooter from deep (32.4% from 3-point range)
- OK facilitator (2.8 APG)
- Turnover prone (2.8 per game)
Tale of the Tape
If there’s one thing K-State guard Tylor Perry loves to do, it’s shoot 3-pointers. In fact, 3-pointers make up 75.4% of his shot attempts. But he’s only shooting 32.1% from deep.
Here, he didn’t let OSU set up on defense and immediately canned the transition 3-pointer before the defender fully recovered.
For the Jayhawks, the key will be to run him off the 3-point line and keep an eye on him for fast breaks — because there’s a high chance he will attempt a 3-pointer. If Kansas does that, it’ll take out a key part of KSU’s transition offense.
Game Prediction
There’s something about rivalry games that makes them unpredictable.
The Wildcats have lost four straight games; they’re at home and are desperate for a win. Meanwhile, Kansas comes off its biggest win of the season.
This one could have all the makings of an upset. But I just don’t foresee it happening. This Kansas State team struggles mightily on offense and doesn’t have the offensive firepower to keep up with KU.
On top of that, if Kansas is as good as the Jayhawks looked on Saturday, they won’t take a reeling rival lightly.
I expect a Jayhawks win.
Kansas 72, K-State 66
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 15-5
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 11-9
KU Player to watch: Johnny Furphy
Furphy’s quickly become a fan favorite, with good reason.
He’s been on an absolute tear since joining the starting lineup.
He will get his first taste of the Sunflower Showdown on Monday. And if we’ve learned anything about Furphy, he steps up for important games.
Look for him to make his mark against the Wildcats.
