Kansas State Wildcats vs Kentucky Wildcats Point Spread Picks

Kansas State improved to 24-9 on the season with a 21-12 ATS record, including 5-2 ATS its past seven games, with a 77-65 victory over Montana State on Friday as Markquis Nowell scored 17 points and dished out 14 assists for the Wildcats, who shot 58.2 percent. Keyontae Johnson actually led the Wildcats in scoring with 18 points as they won rather easily while making only four 3-pointers. Kentucky defeated Providence 61-53 while shooting only 37 percent from the field and in three of its past four games, the Wildcats have shot below 43 percent. Kansas State allows just a .421 field goal percentage and .300 from 3-point range and Kentucky is 12-25 ATS its past 37 games following an ATS win. Also, Kentucky is 3-13 ATS on neutral courts and Kansas State is 15-5 ATS versus teams with winning records and it matches up well with Kentucky in every department. Play Kansas State.

The South Bracket was deemed to be the strongest of all with top overall seed Virginia at the top, followed by a 30-win Cincinnati team, Tennessee, Arizona, and Kentucky. My how things have changed! This bracket was torn to pieces, and fifth seed Kentucky is now the highest seed remaining. They will be put to the test in their Sweet 16 contest vs. Kansas State. Kansas State has experience and is a rugged defensive team, as well as a misleading 24-11 on the season. The Wildcats were not good enough to take down their top 15 opponents, finishing 0-7, but went 11-3 vs. the top 16-50, where Kentucky resides. Overall, Kansas State is 24-4 when playing outside the top 15. Kentucky has come a long way, but will likely take some bad costly shots with their youthful team against a very sturdy defense. Play on Kansas State to win this one straight-up.

Kansas State might not be thought of as a basketball powerhouse, but this tourney appearance is the school-record fifth in a row for K-State and ties Florida for the ninth longest active streak in the nation. So it's Kansas State versus Kentucky. Who controls the tempo?  Kansas State is very much into controlling the tempo, a slow down, defensive style that is second in the Big 12 in points allowed and field goal shooting defense, allowing 41%. The Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in non-conference games and 4-1 ATS against the SEC. They face a very young Kentucky squad that underachieved after being No. 1 in some preseason polls (and for Vegas future bets). This team is 8-8 straight up away from home (3-3 on neutral sites). Kentucky is sixth in the SEC in field goal shooting defense and 11th in three point shooting. K-State has the physical, defensive frontcourt to hang in here, so grab the dog to win the game. Play Kansas State on the moneyline.