The LSU Tigers take on the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan, KS. Tip-off is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
The Wildcats are favored by 5.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -225. The total is also set at 149.5.
Here are my LSU vs. Kansas State picks and college basketball picks for November 14.
LSU vs Kansas State Odds, Pick
| LSU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 149.5 -110o / -110u | +300 |
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 149.5 -110o / -110u | -380 |
- LSU vs Kansas State spread: Kansas State -8.5
- LSU vs Kansas State over/under: 149.5 points
- LSU vs Kansas State moneyline: Kansas State -380
- LSU vs Kansas State best bet: Kansas State -5.5
My LSU vs Kansas State NCAAB Betting Preview
LSU Basketball
LSU did not enter the season with high expectations (picked 14th in the SEC preseason poll), but the Tigers have gotten off to a solid start. They took care of business in two buy games (1-1 against the spread), with the defense looking especially impressive. LSU surrendered just 0.81 and 0.85 points per possession.
Granted, it was not against two great offenses, but it is encouraging on the surface.
Under the hood, it may not be as glowing: UL Monroe and Alabama State shot a horrific 4-of-34 (11.8%) from beyond the arc. Some credit can be given to LSU’s athletic defense, but the Tigers might feel awfully different had their foes knocked down a normal rate of jumpers.
Size and athleticism are clear strengths of this roster. The Tigers start two mobile 6-foot-10 big men in Jalen Reed and freshman Robert Miller III, with two more bouncy difference-makers off the bench in Derek Fountain and Daimion Collins.
Their skill sets complement each other, and if Collins continues to bring elite shot-blocking off the pine (11.0% block rate so far, 53rd nationally, per KenPom), the Tigers’ interior defense will be a menace.
Add in Dji Bailey on the wing, and it’s no surprise to see some encouraging defensive performances. He was Richmond’s best and most versatile defender last year, and he should translate to the SEC on that end of the floor.
Of course, the biggest difference relative to last year is having a true lead guard to run the show. Last year’s Tigers had a slight identity crisis when shot-happy point guard Jalen Cook was healthy, and when he was hurt, Trae Hannibal was a bowling ball masquerading as a table-setter.
This season, Jordan Sears is the adult in the room at point guard, and his outing against Alabama State (18 points, five assists, one turnover) provides reason for optimism in the backcourt.
A fun side plot to this one is Cam Carter’s return to Manhattan. The former Kansas State guard has thrived in the Bayou through two contests, scoring efficiently while taking on a significant offensive role.
He’ll surely be motivated to have a big game, but his erratic play in the past could foreshadow a volatile performance.
Kansas State Basketball
Like LSU, Kansas State has yet to be truly challenged. The Wildcats have not covered either game to kick off the season, but they led by double-digits for the entirety of both second halves. They were never actually threatened.
Notably, it seemed like head coach Jerome Tang was experimenting with lineups through the first two contests. 11 players have already logged 11+ minutes in a game, and that rotation should tighten with a bigger game looming.
The most curious part has been the deployment of Dug McDaniel as a sixth man. Expected to be the Wildcats’ next star diminutive guard, McDaniel has still played a big role (26 minutes per contest), but his fit with starters Max Jones and C.J. Jones is still imperfect.
Also similar to LSU, this Tiger team looks a lot more refined on defense than on offense. That’s been a staple of Tang’s teams; along with defensive whiz assistant Ulric Maligi, the Wildcats have two terrific minds teaching their principles and concocting their game plans on this end.
The question is more one of personnel. Brendan Hausen is a perimeter sniper but lacks defensive fortitude, and McDaniel is a tiny on-ball guard prone to gambling.
Kansas State is loaded with frontcourt athletes, and David N’Guessan might be one of the country’s best “guards all five positions” pieces.
LSU vs Kansas State Betting Analysis
Analytically, neither team has really played that well yet. Per Shot Quality’s post-game grading, LSU squeaked by Alabama State 75-70, while KSU had a similar five-point margin in SQ’s evaluation of its win over Cleveland State.
To my eyes, Kansas State seems closer to actually hitting its potential. Tang tightening the rotation should help, and LSU is screaming for some 3-point regression on the defensive end.
The Wildcats can also match and even exceed LSU’s talented frontcourt via N’Guessan and collegiate veteran Coleman Hawkins.
Combined with having what should be a rollicking crowd and a major home-court advantage, I think the Wildcats find a way to extend this game up towards double-digits.
From an efficiency standpoint, I have some interest in the under, but the pace could be fast enough to preclude that, so I am staying away.
Pick: Kansas State -5.5 (Play to -8.5)
