The Wildcats and Jayhawks meet at Allen Fieldhouse for the Sunflower Showdown as Kansas hosts Kansas State. This might be a bit of a lopsided game on paper with the hosts being a 15 point favorite, but given that it is a rivalry game, things could get interesting.
Kansas State has lost four straight games overall and sit at 1-4 in Big 12 play. They’ve lost a couple of those games by just 5 combined points, so they are right on the cusp of being 3-2. Regardless, this is a game they have had circled since it got scheduled, as this is a chance to embarrass their rival at home.
Kansas looked nonexistent against the Cyclones in Ames on Wednesday, but perhaps they were more focused on hosting the Wildcats today. This game means plenty to the Jayhawks as well, and since they lost this week, I could see them blowing the roof off of Allen Fieldhouse. But let’s dive in and find our best bet.
Kansas State Wildcats vs #9 Kansas Jayhawks: Sunflower Showdown
Jerome Tang has been a great coach at Kansas State since taking over the program
Matchup Information – Kansas State vs Kansas
- Venue & Location: Allen Fieldhouse (Lawrence, KS)
- Date: Saturday, January 18th, 2025
- Tip Off: 1:00pm Eastern
- Broadcast: CBS
Betting Odds
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Spread
- Kansas State +15 (-110)
- Kansas -15 (-110)
Money Line
- Kansas State +890
- Kansas -1600
Total
- Over 139 (-113)
- Under 139 (-107)
Jayhawks Bounce Back Tonight at Home
Can the Jayhawks take down Little Brother at home?
The Jayhawks are certainly not invincible in Lawrence, as they’ve already lost to West Virginia at Allen Fieldhouse this year, but losing a 2nd time in this building in the same season isn’t very likely.
The Jayhawks offense is made up plenty of mid range jumpers. They rank 323rd in 3P Rate, and are actually the worst team at getting to the free throw line. This means they earn their points the hard way by getting to the bucket. Kansas takes great care of the basketball, usually resulting in a decent look at the hoop which contributes to their Top 40 eFG% at home. Defensively, they are as good as anyone, ranking 4th overall and 22nd at home this season. Now they play slightly slower at home, which would benefit Kansas State who already ranks 179th in pace.
Neither team gets to the free throw line, and Kansas State does a fantastic job of not fouling their opponent. However they struggle in the turnover battle on both sides of the basketball. The Jayhawks are missing Forward KJ Adams, which I think opens things up for a different Jayhawk to shine.
Kansas State Wildcats vs #9 Kansas Jayhawks Best Bets
Back Dickinson to score on Saturday
Kansas State vs Kansas Prediction: Kansas Wins & Covers, Over 139
Best Bets: Hunter Dickinson Over 16.5 Points (-120) BetOnline
As long as he doesn’t get into foul trouble, I love this play. Dickinson leads the Jayhawks with 15.2 points per game and 10.4 boards as well. He is coming off a 3/10 shooting night in Ames, scoring just 6 points and without Adams in the lineup, he should see a lot more opportunities.
Dickinson has only scored 17 points in 5 games this season, and he hasn’t shot a free throw in two games. Today I see him utilizing his frame, drawing some contact and finishing at the rim. Size wise, 6’9″ forward David N’Guessan will likely be tasked with stopping Dickinson down low, and I don’t see him having much success against the bigger center. Give me Dickinson to go for 20+ today at home against the Jayhawks’ rival.
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