How to watch
Channel: ESPN+ I Fubo TV
Date: Tuesday, January 30
Game Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
Radio: K-State Sports Network
Venue: Bramlage Coliseum
All-time series
- Oklahoma leads the all-time series 104-113 over Kansas State
- Kansas State is 65-36 when playing at home against Oklahoma
- Kansas State and Oklahoma are an even 5-5 in their last 10 matchup
Kansas State narrowly favored
The Wildcats have not been favored in a matchup since their game against Oklahoma State. I would venture to say that with Oklahoma losing two straight games and Kansas State playing at home where they are 3-0 in conference play, that is why the Wildcats are favored.
Kansas State is a 3.5-point favor with the line set at 138.5. I think this will be a close game as both teams have lost back-to-back games and both are desperate for a win. I will probably go with the spread on this one and pick Kansas State, I think being at home gives them the edge. I am also going to take the over in this matchup. While Kansas State hadn't given up over 70 points to anyone throughout the season, they have now done it in back-to-back games.
Key matchups
It is easy for me to say again and again that the key matchups for Kansas State are Cam Carter, Tylor Perry, and Arthur Kaluma. While those guys are pivotal in every game, I think it is time we look at someone else. Will McNair Jr. is not getting the credit he deserves.
While McNair doesn't light up the scoreboard with big numbers like Carter, Perry, and Kaluma do, he can create space for those guys. McNair can use his body to create space in the paint for the big 3 to drive and do what needs to be done. While he and Davis N'Guessan are used interchangeably, they can do exactly what Jerome Tang wants from them.
This will probably be one of the better matchups for Kansas State's defense. Oklahoma has struggled on offense as of late and I think K-State will have to take advantage of that and lock in on defense. The shots will fall as long as they can get stops on defense.
Prediction
Like I said earlier, I am going to take Kansas State in this game. I think what helps me choose the Wildcats over the Sooners is because Oklahoma has to come into the Octagon of Doom. Jerome Tang has done a great job of firing up the students and getting them out to games to support the team. In the Big 12, protecting your home court is so important and the Wildcats have been able to do that in conference play.
Oklahoma is going to have to come in with their best game plan to take down the Wildcats in Bramlage. So I am going with Kansas State in this one 72-68, just barely taking the over.