Kansas State basketball: How to watch, odds, key matchup, more vs. No 25 BYU

How to watch

Channel: ESPN+ I Fubo TV
Date: Saturday, February 24
Game time: 1:00 p.m. CT
Radio: K-State Sports Network
Venue: Bramlage Coliseum

All-time series

• The all-time series is tied 4-4 between Kansas State and BYU
• BYU beat Kansas State 66-72 in their first matchup this season at BYU
• Kansas State has never played BYU at home

Odds

BYU is only a 2.5-point favorite compared to the first matchup between these teams. The Cougars were a 10.5-point favorite. It seems whenever the Wildcats are playing at home, when they are an underdog, they are not a big one.

If Kansas State can play the way they did in the last 10 minutes of the last game between these two, they have a real chance to win this game. However, they have not been able to put that full game together in a while. So I would go with BYU in this one to cover the spread.

Key Matchups

When you look at the stats from the first matchup this season between these two teams, I almost get confused about how BYU had a 17-point lead with nine minutes left in the second half. The Wildcats only had five turnovers compared to BYU's 14. The points in the paint were almost identical with Kansas State having 36 and BYU having 34. The Cougars were 8-25 from behind the arc while the Wildcats were 6-23. So how did this game get away from K-State?

Well, the Wildcats got into a big hole later in the game and then had to fight, scratch, and claw their way back into the game late, but unfortunately, it was too late. So what is the biggest matchup for the Wildcats in this one?

Themselves.

Kansas State has not been able to put a full game together in a long time. They kind of stay up with teams, but always trailing them. This team needs to come together and work on getting a lead, even if it is a small one, and build on it as the game goes on. They need to limit their turnovers, like they did in the first matchup with BYU, and make the easy play. Too many times players are forcing shots or passes and giving possessions away.

If Kansas State wants to make a late push for the NCAA Tournament, it is now or never. Winning games at home with the crowd on their side is something they have to do.

Prediction

With the tough loss to TCU last week at home, it is hard for me to pick the Wildcats in this one. Yes, I know that last shot was a lucky one by TCU, but Kanas State had the lead in that one and should have kept it. Then the loss to Texas was tough, they were in the game the entire time, but again had a chance to win it in the end and let it slip through their hands.

So I am going to go with BYU in this one. The Cougars are firing on all cylinders right now, especially after the win against No. 11 Baylor. K-State might come out hot, but unfortunately will probably lose it late and shut the door on their hopes of making it into March Madness without a Big 12 Tournament victory.

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