How to watch
Channel: ESPN+ I FuboTV
Date: Saturday, March 2
Game time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Radio: K-State Sports Network
Venue: Fifth Third Arena
All-time series
- Cincinnati leads the all-time series 7-1 over Kansas State
- The last time these two teams met was in 2017 in March Madness
- The last time only time Kansas State beat Cincinnati was in 1958
Odds
There is no surprise Cincinnati is favored in this matchup, they are the home team and when two teams are evenly matched, typically the edge goes to the home team. However, I am surprised that the Bearcats are a 5.5-point favorite. I think the Wildcats are a slightly better team and I honestly will probably go against the odds on this one.
The over/under for this game is set at 138.5 and I think it would be smart to take the over on this one. Yes, both teams struggle on offense, but I think Kansas State will come out hungry knowing everything that is at stake for them right now.
Key Matchups
If I have said it once I have said it a million times, Kansas State's big three of Cam Carter, Tylor Perry, and Arthur Kaluma have to step up in this game against the Bearcats. Perry is really coming into form at the right time ad he is slowly starting to put together full-game performances. Kaluma is a big man who can shoot well from anywhere on the court, and Carter is able to pull defenses to set up Kaluma and Perry.
If these three players can all put together complete teams, there is no way Cincinnati can win this game, but they have to come together and limit turnovers and fouls. The Wildcats are fighting for their lives right now and the only thing truly standing in their way if they want to make it to the NCAA Tournament. Yes, other teams play into that, but if the Wildcats can play the way they did in early Big 12 play, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the Big 12 Tournament and March Madness.
Prediction
It always seems like when I pick against the Wildcats they win, so there is a part of me that wants to take the Bearcats in hopes that the Wildcats will win. However, I do truly think the Wildcats can win this game. They are heading into a hostile environment, but K-State has to go in a take care of business, they have no choice.
All right I hope this does not seal Kansas State's fate, but I am picking them to win this one and be one game closer to that magic number of nine conference wins. Its going to be a tough close game, but if Kansas State can get to the free throw line anywhere between 20 to 25 times, they could put this one away.