Baylor vs Kansas State Wildcats Preview
On Tuesday night the number 9th ranked Baylor Bears travel to Manhattan Kansas to take on the number 14th Kansas State Wildcats in a matchup that has huge implications for the Big 12 conference nearing the end of the season. Baylor is coming into this game red hot with their only loss in their last 5 games coming at the hands of the number 3 ranked Kansas Jayhawks.
Baylor is coming into this game winning 4 out of their last five and is currently 3rd in the Big 12 just 1.5 games behind the Kansas Jayhawks. All season Baylor has done a great job controlling the tempo of games, and their fast-paced quick transition offense has led to them scoring in bunches all year.
Opposing teams have struggled against Baylor this year and when Baylor has had a good offensive night, they have won by 8 or more points more times than not. In their last 4 wins, Baylor has won by an average of just over 13 points. A big key to their success tonight will be their ability to control the tempo, and not turn the ball over.
Can Kansas State Get Back on Track?
After starting the season 15-1, Kansas State has lost 6 of its last ten. Plagued by poor shooting performances and their inability to pull down rebounds Kansas State has gone from looking like one of the best teams in the country to looking like they shouldnβt make the
March Madness Tournament
at times. If Kansas State wants to get back on track before the NCAA tournament time they need to stop making costly turnovers at key points in the game. One of the biggest things Kansas State needs to improve on is playing from behind in their last six losses Kansas Falls apart when they find themselves in a deficit of 8 or more points.
Tonight, Kansas State is going to need a big performance out of senior forward Keyontae Johnson. In the last meeting with the Bears Johnson scores 24 points and had 9 rebounds. Johnson is averaging just over 17 points per game this season and has been a huge factor when Kansas State has found success.
Baylor Vs Kansas State Head-to-Head
Since the year 2002 Kansas State and Baylor have met 35 times on the hardwood with Baylor holding the series led 18-17. In their last matchup back on January 7th Kansas State was able to come out on top in a very exciting high-scoring game 97-95. However, when these two teams last met Kansas State was looking like one of if not the best teams in the country. I suspect tonight will be another exciting high-scoring game.
Team Leaders
Points
George - BAY
16.6PPG
38.9FG%
80.8FT%
Johnson - KSU
17.4PPG
51.2FG%
72.9FT% |
Rebounds
Bridges - BAY
5.7RPG
3.3DRPG
2.4ORPG
Johnson - KSU
7.4RPG
5.7DRPG
1.8ORPG |
Assists
Flagler - BAY
5.0APG
1.7TOPG
33.0MPG
Nowell - KSU
7.5APG
3.6TOPG
36.2MPG |
Betting on the game! (Baylor -2)
Baylor is favored by two points in this game on the road. Baylor is clearly playing better basketball right now and should win this game. However, the atmosphere can sway a game and Kansas State certainly has the ability to play like a top 5 team. The best bet here is to take Kansas State to cover the spread at home as I think they win this game outright. If you think Kansas State is going to come out on top a money line bet might be a good idea as well, Kansas State currently sits at +118 on the money line to win.
Baylor vs Kansas State Over/Under (146)
The last time Baylor and Kansas State met they Blew the over/under out of the water scoring a combined 192 points. I donβt think the scoring is that high tonight but I believe there is a good chance both teams score in the upper 70s to low 80s. The best bet here is to bet the under, I was expecting the over/under in this game to come out for this game right around 159.5 with it currently sitting at 146 this might be the best bet of the night
Baylor vs Kansas State How to Watch
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Date: Tuesday, February, 21
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Game Time: 7:00 pm EST
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How to Watch: ESPN 2
π Venue: Bramlage Coliseum