The Kansas State Wildcats take on the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, KS. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Kansas is favored by 14.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -1200. The total is set at 139 points.
Here’s my Kansas State vs. Kansas predictions and college basketball picks for January 18, 2025.
Kansas State vs Kansas Prediction
My Pick: Kansas -15.5 (Play to -16)
My Kansas State vs Kansas best bet is on the Jayhawks spread, with the best odds currently available at BetRivers. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Kansas State vs Kansas Odds, Spread, Pick
Kansas State Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 139 -110 / -110 | +850 |
Kansas Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 139 -110 / -110 | -1400 |
- Kansas State vs Kansas spread: Kansas -14.5
- Kansas State vs Kansas over/under: 139 points
- Kansas State vs Kansas moneyline: Kansas -1400 , Kansas State +850
- Kansas State vs Kansas best bet: Kansas -15.5 (Play to -16)
My Kansas State vs Kansas College Basketball Betting Preview
Kansas and Kansas State don’t like each other. Well, at least we know Kansas State doesn’t like Kansas — it’s unclear if Kansas is aware the school in Manhattan even exists.
That disrespect has only fueled the underrated rivalry.
The Wildcats have had Kansas’ number at home under Jerome Tang, winning both games in overtime in front of sellout crowds. Games at the Phog, however, have gone differently. Kansas has beaten Kansas State by an average of 17 points per game in Lawrence over the past two seasons.
This year’s Kansas State is a debacle — to put it nicely. At 7-9, with a 1-4 mark in the Big 12, there’s little hope for a postseason berth.
Tang hasn’t been able to recreate the magic of Year 1. The Cats are 0-4 straight-up and 1-3 against the spread in true road games this year, and this will be their toughest test to date.
Kansas State’s offense is an ugly mess of ball-holding and “my turn, your turn” pickup-style possessions. The Cats have been unable to find consistent scoring in Big 12 play, ranking 14th in the league in offensive efficiency, driven by poor outside shooting, poor ball-handling and an inability to grab second chances off the glass.
Kansas' defense has been elite all season, ranking third nationally and No. 1 in Big 12 play – yes, even over Iowa State and Houston.
The Jayhawks completely shut down the rim, they play without fouling and they still somehow take away the 3-point line. With a ball hawk like Dajuan Harris Jr. at the point of attack and capable rim protectors in the paint, Kansas' defense can be an impenetrable force.
Word out of Lawrence is KJ Adams Jr. won’t play in this one, but even though he’s a physical presence and a contributor in several key areas, that might make this defense even better.
Flory Bidunga will see more minutes, and the freshman has proven to be one of the most ferocious shot-blockers and rebounders in the country in limited minutes.
Kansas hasn’t exactly been crisp on the offense end this season – it’s Bill Self’s third-worst offense of his tenure – but it’s far better than Kansas State’s.
The Jayhawks play up-tempo and look to score on the run. When in the half-court, they play through the post and use the maestro Harris in pick-and-roll action. He and Hunter Dickinson are a formidable ball-screen combo, thanks to Harris’ vision and Dickinson’s size and ability to catch-and-shoot.
Kansas State’s ball screen defense has been so-so this season, but it's been solid defending the paint, where Kansas has lived offensively. The Wildcats have size up front, though not a ton of depth with the departure of Achor Achor.
Kansas’ biggest edge on this end is the glass, especially with Bidunga getting more minutes. The Jayhawks are the fourth-best offensive rebounding team in Big 12 play, while the Cats are 12th on the defensive glass.
This game might be up-tempo but it’ll be ugly. Neither offense has looked great this season, and Kansas has been truly lockdown on the defensive end.
Kansas State doesn’t have the firepower to overcome this vaunted defense and the crowd that will gather at Allen Fieldhouse.