Kansas vs Kansas State +2 O/U 147.5
This is going to be a wonderful game with the Jayhawks 15-1 going to Manhattan against their in state rival Wildcats at 15-2. Something has to give! I am going to start by saying that I STILL think Kansas State is overrated here. I love what Jerome Tang has done with this program and all, but now they play their in-state rivals that look very solid on the court and do not have a lot of weaknesses. One thing that I have noticed is that Kansas plays defense this year ranking 12th in efficiency 33rd in opponent field goal percentage. Kansas State ranks 40th and 73rd in each category. Looking at each team’s strength of schedule, Kansas has had it tougher playing teams like Tennessee and with wins against West Virginia, Iowa State, Indiana and Duke. The Cats also have had some great wins vs Texas and Baylor, but they were also fortunate to get those teams when injured. Kansas State’s biggest weakness is finishing at the rim only ranking 133rd in near proximity shots. If they aren’t hitting the three, then they could get into some serious troubles. Kansas ranks 4th in adjusted three point percentage while Kansas State has trouble rebounding the ball only ranking 154th on defense. Kansas is 5-0 their last 5 games in Manhattan. Take the JHawks with the short number.
Kansas -2 – 2 stars
Penn State vs Wisconsin -3.5 O/U 129.5
Wisconsin has been in free fall mode since they lost their best player in Tyler Wahl. The lost at home to Michigan State while only scoring 65 points while choking on the road at Indiana over the weekend scoring a total of 45 points. The good news for the Badgers is that Wahl will be back this game and this is why you are seeing the hook over this three. In saying that, Penn State has played some good ball themselves beating teams like Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Penn State can be a very efficient team when going, but when they face a tough defense they tend to struggle. The Lions when playing Michigan State and Purdue only put up a maximum of 63 points. Wisconsin’s offense is terrible, but their defense ranks 24th in efficiency with a slow pace ranking 343rd in the nation. Due to all of this, I like the under in this game. I think Wisconsin keeps that slow pace going today while Penn State themselves only rank 247th in average possession length.
Under 129.5 – 1.5 stars
