Kansas State vs Kansas NCAA 2013

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS  VS KANSAS JAYHAWKS (-8)


This Big 12 and state rival matchup is set to tip off at 9PM EST on ESPN. The Kansas Jayhawks (19-4) are looking to end a 3 game skid, marking the first time in 8 years that they have lost 3 straight. As for Kansas State (19-4) they are flying into this game winners of their last 4 and could prove that they are the best team in Kansas tonight with a victory.

For this inter conference matchup I’m putting all my marbles on the Jayhawks. This historically one of the greatest basketball programs in NCAA history and I can’t see them losing at home for a 2nd consecutive game. The key matchup in this contest is between the Wildcats defense and the Jayhawks offense. Kansas State is 21st in the country limiting opponents to 58.3 points per game. While the Jayhawks are 57th in overall scoring putting up 73 points per game. It will be a classic offense versus defensive minded team but ultimately I see the Jayhawks coming out on top.

Kansas State might be the better of the two on defense but the Jayhawks have their strengths also. They are 1st overall holding opponents to a 36% shooting percentage, and 3rd averaging 7 blocks per game. Much of their defensive success comes from the hands of Senior Center Jeff Withey. He is leading the Big 12 conference with 4 blocks per game and is 4th grabbing 8.1 rebounds per game.

Keep your eye on freshman guard Ben McLemore in this game. He is 2nd in the Big 12 and leads the Jayhawks with 16.3 points per game. The offense flows through the hands of this man and I expect to see him control the tempo and crowd in this game. Kansas couldn’t be happier to return home and I see this game turning into a statement for Jayhawk doubters. Ending their 3 game losing streak on route to beating the Wildcats for the 2nd time this season.

TRENDS 


WILDCATS

• 2-4 against the spread in road games this season
• 1-3 against the spread when avenging a home loss this season
• 46-141 straight up as an underdog since 1997