Kansas State Wildcats vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Who To Put Your Money On

Kansas State Wildcats forward Thomas Gipson (left), Marcus Foster (left center), Nino Williams (right center) and Shane Southwell (right) – Credit – USA Today

On Day 2 of the March Madness Tourney, the Kansas State Wildcats take on the Kentucky Wildcats in a battle of the 8 and 9 seeds. These games always entertain, and this one will be no different. I am here to give you some advice on who to put your money on whether you’re in Vegas, betting online, or just betting against your pals.

The Kentucky Wildcats started the season as the No. 1 team in the country, and ever since then, have had one crazy roller coaster of a season; losses to (No. 2) Michigan State, (No. 20) Baylor, (No. 18) North Carolina, and (No. 3, No. 1) Florida, with a win over (No. 6) Louisville. Rankings were opponents rank at the time the game was played.

As for the Kansas State Wildcats, their season has been crazy, but with more “structure”. At home, K-State has huge victories over (No. 21) Gonzaga, (No. 6) Oklahoma State, (No. 25) Oklahoma, (No. 15) Texas, (No. 7) Kansas, (No. 15) Iowa State.

Playing on the road is where K-State has their issues. They were a horrible 2-7 this year at other teams facilities; 0-2 when visiting teams ranked in the Top-25. They are playing in St. Louis, MO today, which is about 370 miles from Manhattan, KS. For Kentucky, the drive is about 220 miles, so it should be closer to a home game for Kentucky, and an away game for K-State.

Kansas-State has dropped their last 3, and 4 of their last 6. That’s never a gppd thing when you’re heading into the Tourney. In my opinion, momentum is key. Some will disagree. But in this case, neither team really has momentum, with Kentucky losing their last competition, and dropping 4 of their last 7.

One thing Kentucky does have is rhythm – not quite the same as momentum. They only lost by 1 point to the No.1 team in the country, Florida, in the SEC Championship. and before that game they had won 2 in a row. They are finally starting to get their rhythm together, and play as a team. As someone who believes momentum is key, in a game of no momentum, rhythm is better than nothing.

My “Key to Victory” here is the matchup of big-men Thomas Gipson and Julius Randle. The winner of the Points/Rebounds/Blocks battle, will lead his team to victory to play the winner of the Wichita State vs. Cal Poly game. In my eyes – and many scouts and analysts eyes – Julius Randle is the better player here, and he will get the job done. He wants a ring before leaving for the NBA after this season, and will not let his Wildcats get beat in the first round.

My Prediction –

Currently, according to Bovada.com, the Kentucky Wildcats are a (-6.5) point favorite over Kansas State. My betting system has Kentucky with a mere 51% chance of winning. I never go against my system. I am picking Kentucky to win this one 66-60, not covering the (-6.5) point spread.

2014 Records:

Last Week SU: 1-2

Last Week ATS: 1-0

Total SU: 15-5

Total ATS: 6-0

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