KU basketball game prediction: Can the Jayhawks upset NC State on the road?
The Kansas men’s basketball team returns to action on Saturday with a game at North Carolina State.
The No. 19-ranked Jayhawks (7-3) defeated Missouri on Sunday, while N.C. State beat Liberty on Wednesday.
Here is more about Saturday’s afternoon game, including a scouting report and prediction:
Kansas basketball vs. N.C. State: Game details
When: 4:30 Central Time on Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, North Carolina)
TV/streaming: ESPN
Opponent’s record: 7-3
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 28
Betting line: N.C. State is 1.5-point favorite.
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats only include Division I competition
N.C. State Strengths
- Elite offense: The Wolfpack ranks No. 15 in effective field goal percentage (61.4).
- Red-hot from deep: N.C. State ranks No. 14 in 3-point percentage (40%).
- Plenty of experience: The Wolfpack ranks No. 38 in Division-I experience (2.17 years on average).
NC State Weaknesses
- Allowing many 3s: N.C. State ranks No. 359 in opponent 3-point rate (49.9%)
- Foul Issues: The Wolfpack struggles to defend without fouling, ranking No. 316 in opponent foul rate (43.9).
- Rebound struggles: NC State ranks No. 229 in offensive rebounding percentage (29.3%).
N.C. State Name to Know
6-foot-6 senior forward Darrion Williams (No. 1)
+ Elite scorer (15.9 points per game)
+ Good rebounder (5.1 rebounds per game)
+ Efficient scorer (shooting 52.3%)
+ Solid passer (3.4 assits per game)
+ Great 3-point shooter (shooting 46.7%)
- Turnover prone (1.3 turnovers per game)
Kansas-N.C. State game prediction
This matchup will be a good test for KU’s defense.
The Jayhawks have one of the best perimeter defenses in the Big 12, with opponents shooting 24.9% on 3-pointers.
Meanwhile, NC State shoots 40% from deep. So, whoever wins this matchup will likely have a leg up in this game.
KU’s offense needs to make an effort to drive the ball and get out in transition. Not only is that where the Jayhawks thrive, but also where the Wolfpack struggles to defend without fouling.
If KU can put N.C. State in foul trouble, it’ll lead not only to free throws, but put pressure on N.C. State overall.
With Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson in the lineup for another game, KU’s offense should look better as well. That’s a big reason why the Jayhawks should pull off the road upset.
Kansas 74, NC State 68
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: Kansas (+1.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 9-1
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 8-2
KU Player to Watch: Darryn Peterson
After a seven-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Peterson returned for the game agianst Missouri on Sunday and dropped in 17 points in just 23 minutes.
It’s clear the Jayhawks missed him on offense. And Peterson will likely play at least 30 minutes on Saturday. The KU offense was a bit stagnant at times against Mizzou, with a number of players aside from Peterson just standing around. But expect the offense to look more fluid against N.C. State.
