They Jayhawks are hitting their stride and closing in on another Big 12 title. With wins over Oklahoma, West Virginia and Kentucky as part of their six-game winning streak, it seems unlikely Kansas State has enough to pull off the upset. But, the Wildcats did knock off OU at home two weeks ago, so, you never know.
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HOW THE KANSAS JAYHAWKS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Jayhawks rule the Big 12 and they may be playing their best basketball of the season right now, as they look to claim another regular season conference championship. As part of their current six-game winning streak, Kansas upended two of the league’s top contenders – Oklahoma and West Virginia – and dropped Kentucky.
Following their emotional win in Norman last Saturday, the Jayhawks responded by whipping Oklahoma State, the only unranked team to beat them this season, on Monday.
It was a typical Kansas victory with everyone contributing. The starting five all reached double figures before exiting in the blowout, giving the reserves a chance to play. The offense has found a groove and the bench is complementing the starters.
The play of forward Landen Lucas has been pivotal in the Jayhawks’ surge. Starting his eighth straight game, Lucas scored 14 points and pulled down 10 rebounds against the Cowboys. He’s scored 30 points with 36 rebounds in the last three games with huge performances against OU and West Virginia. He’s opened up the paint for leading scorer Perry Ellis to move freely, leading to a more efficient offense.
HOW THE KANSAS STATE WILDCATS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Wildcats are looking for anything positive in a roller coaster season that has them near the bottom of the Big 12 standings. They may have gotten it on Tuesday, ending a 13-game conference road losing streak with a win at TCU.
Two weeks ago the Wildcats pulled off a stunner, beating Oklahoma at home. They then went and lost their next two. Coach Bruce Weber says his team does things well, just not enough of the time. They did on Tuesday.
The Wildcats have been hurt by slow starts in games, something that has happened far too often. To make a run at the Jayhawks, they must play with emotion and feed off the crowd. K-State did just that in its upset of Oklahoma.
It’s unlikely K-State will shut down the Jayhawks defensively, so shooting and scoring the basketball is a key. Barry Brown made 4 of 6 three-pointers against TCU and the Cats hit 46.7 percent of their threes in the game. Staying hot from beyond the arc could be the X-factor.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Kansas had little difficulty in dropping K-State when the teams met in Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 3. That basketball game came after a thrilling overtime win over Kentucky in the Big 12/SEC Challenge and the Jayhawks could have had a letdown. They didn’t. Kansas is eyeing another conference title and has the easier schedule down the stretch. But as we know, there are no gimmes in the Big 12. The Jayhawks appear dialed in with huge wins over Oklahoma, West Virginia and Kentucky in their current winning streak while averaging better than 81 points per game. Kansas State doesn’t have the depth or offensive firepower to keep up, and it’s doubtful the Wildcats, who collectively shoot just 42.8 percent from the floor, will make enough baskets.
Kansas 75, Kansas State 64
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