The Big 12 features some of the best college basketball teams in the country. There are six ranked teams atop the conference, making it difficult for the other teams to compete.
This matchup is between two of the bottom-feeders as Colorado hosts Kansas State in a conference contest.
The Buffaloes are 6.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at 162.5 points.
Here’s my prediction, preview and pick for Wednesday’s Kansas State vs. Colorado matchup.
Kansas State vs. Colorado prediction, preview
This will be the first time these teams face off this season as not every Big 12 team plays each other twice. It brings some unfamiliarity to the table, but also these teams see each other every year.
Neither side is having a particularly good season, so this game shouldn’t be a blowout. Colorado is 15-12 overall and 5-9 in conference. It’s coming off an 83-69 win over Oklahoma State, but has lost all ranked games this year. Meanwhile, Kansas State is 11-16 overall and 2-12 in conference.
It’s an opportunity for both teams to gain some ground ahead of the Big 12 Tournament. Since all 16 teams participate, there’s no worry about missing a cut. These final few regular seasons games are all about seeding.
Kansas State is tied for last in the conference, so any win would be beneficial. P.J. Haggerty is leading the team with 23.5 points on 49.1% shooting, but it hasn’t been enough to secure many victories.
The Buffaloes don’t have a 20 points per game scorer, but they average just about the same total points per game. They rank 94th in points per game, compared to the Wildcats’ 90th ranking. Similarly, both teams struggle defensively with Kansas State ranking 344th in points allowed per game and Colorado at 295th.
Despite the comparable scoring stats, Colorado has a vastly better offensive rating (ranked 91st), while Kansas State ranks 202nd. This shows that the Buffaloes’ offense is more effective despite averaging similar points per game numbers.
Kansas State vs. Colorado pick, best bet
Kansas State has two conference wins this season: Baylor, who is under .500, and Utah, who is tied for last. Colorado has a slightly better record than Baylor, so there’s some hope that the Wildcats can pull off the upset and escape the Big 12 basement.
That’s optimistic thinking, especially with Kansas State on the road. The Wildcats’ two conference wins are both at home, and they are 1-8 on the road overall. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes are 12-4 overall at home.
Between this and the significant gap in the teams’ offensive ratings make it hard to justify backing Kansas State. Colorado should win and cover the 6.5-point spread.