The No. 20 Iowa State Cyclones (12-3, 2-1 Big 12) welcome the Kansas State Wildcats (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against exceptional defense. The game will air on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Kansas State Wildcats at Iowa State Cyclones Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last outing, they beat the West Virginia Mountaineers, 71-69. Kansas State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over West Virginia. The Wildcats had a rate of 8.9 (better than their season average of 16.2), while the Mountaineers posted a mark of 21.8 (above their season average of 18.4). With 29 points on 9-for-14 shooting, Barry Brown Jr. was the game’s leading scorer.
The Cyclones lost a close one to the Baylor Bears in their last matchup, 73-70. Baylor’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Iowa State. The Bears had a rate of 0.309 (above their season average of 0.240), while the Cyclones posted a mark of 0.125 (below their season average of 0.233). With 19 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Marial Shayok led Iowa State in scoring.
After the Wildcats won both contests against the Cyclones last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Kansas State won 78-66. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.9 vs. 31.3) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.600 vs. 0.509).
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Iowa State ranks 20th in offensive efficiency and Kansas State ranks eighth in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Wildcats, who rank 269th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.206), could have a difficult time getting to the line against the Cyclones, who rank 24th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.172).
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Iowa State, ATS Winner – Kansas State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Iowa State ranks 34th in blocks per game (4.6) while Kansas State ranks 158th (2.1).
The Cyclones rank ninth in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Wildcats rank 113th (6.7).
Iowa State ranks 26th in assists per game (16.7) while Kansas State ranks 125th (13.6).
The Cyclones average 24.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 85th in the NCAA. The Wildcats rank 143rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
Kansas State ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while Iowa State ranks 73rd (33.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Kansas State has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (2.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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