Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State Odds
| Oklahoma State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 138 -110o / -110u | +180 |
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 138 -110o / -110u | -220 |
The Kansas State Wildcats host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Tuesday night in a Big 12 matchup between teams that have surprised thus far relative to preseason expectations.
Along with Iowa St. and Oklahoma, these two teams were expected to scratch and claw just to avoid finishing last in the brutal Big 12. Instead, the Cowboys have been competitive enough to have postseason hopes while the Wildcats have been among the best teams in the country in Jerome Tang's inaugural season as head coach.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State may be exceeding preseason expectations, but certainly not to the same extent as its opponent. Defensive intensity has been a staple of Mike Boynton's Cowboys. The glaring weakness in almost every one of their losses is extended periods of scoring droughts. An inability to score when games get tight has the Oklahoma State fanbase more vocal and tense than they have been with Boynton in the past. So, respectfully, don't tell Poke fans they are exceeding expectations.
After jumping out to a 15-point halftime lead at Kansas, Oklahoma State stalled offensively, generating only 22 second half points. Then, in their most recent contest, the Pokes scored only 46 total points against a Texas team that had just allowed Kansas State to score 116 on their home court in Austin.
Boynton may need to play a smaller lineup if the Cowboys' key rim protector, Moussa Cisse, is forced to miss a second consecutive game with an ankle injury. If that happens, expect this line to climb even higher.
I would welcome those extra points as a bettor. I think the Kansas State defense is not nearly as pestering as the recent opponents the Cowboys have faced.
Kansas State Wildcats
A former Baylor assistant, Tang has taken the head coaching opportunity extended to him and sprinted with it. After losing Nigel Pack to Miami and reviewing the rest of the Big 12 rosters, the Wildcats were a popular pick to finish in the bottom slot of the league standings.
Fast forward to January 10th and Kansas State is sitting 3-0 in the Big 12 and favored to get its fourth straight win to start conference play.
Keyontae Johnson is a great story after a scary end to his career at Florida, and his play this year has been a surprise, to say the least. He is averaging 18.8 points per game due in large part to his 3-point marksmanship, where he is converting nearly 42% of his attempts this year.
Johnson figures to be the defensive assignment of either Bryce Thompson or Kalib Boone. Both Boone and Thompson are lanky, energetic defenders who will surely be aware of the success Johnson has had in recent contests.
Tang likes to play with tempo, mimicking the style of the impressive teams he and Scott Drew have coached to a ton of success in recent years. Oklahoma State will welcome a more up-tempo style of opponent in response to the slow and lethargic style Texas dictated Saturday.
In Boynton's own words, Oklahoma State "has not been confused with the Golden State Warriors offensively" during his time in Stillwater. However, if any Big 12 defense can allow the Cowboys to score in an efficient manner, it is likely the Wildcats.
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State Betting Pick
The recent play and perceived market value of both teams should create a bit of value on Oklahoma State here. The Octagon of Doom is always a tough venue for visitors, but the Cowboys already have an impressive road victory at Wichita State and a close loss at Kansas.
Cisse's status will be key defensively for the Pokes, but their offense should improve simply by not having to face the tenacity displayed by Texas and Kansas.
I am looking to sell Kansas State at a potential high here and buy the Cowboys, a team in a much more desperate spot.
Pick: Oklahoma State +5 or Better |
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