The Texas Longhorns (10-2, 4-1 Big 12) had their first setback in conference play when Texas Tech came to Austin and delivered a 79-77 upset on a buzzer-beating jumper. The Longhorns had not lost since December 6, when they lost to then-#12 Villanova by four. Next up for the Longhorns is a visit from the Kansas State Wildcats (5-8, 1-4 Big 12). The Wildcats got off to conference play with a nine-point win at Iowa State but then were routed by 31 points at home by Baylor. Losses to TCU, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State have pushed the Wildcats down in the conference standings. Will the Longhorns take out some frustrations on the Wildcats, or will Kansas State pull off the shocker?
Don’t miss our college basketball betting preview of this Saturday night conference showdown.
NCAAB: Kansas State at Texas (January 16)
When: Saturday, January 16, 2021, 8:00 pm ET
Where: Frank Erwin Center, Austin, TX
TV: Longhorn Network
Radio: No National Radio
Live Stream: None
NCAAB Odds: XXXX
Why should you bet on the Wildcats?
Kansas State kept things close until near the midpoint of the second half in their loss to Oklahoma State. However, Isaac Likeleke made a layup at the 13:03 mark of the second half that started a run of 13 consecutive made field goals for the Cowboys, starting a 13-4 run and pushing Oklahoma State to a double-digit lead that they would not surrender. The Wildcats did a solid job limiting Cade Cunningham, the leading scorer in the Big 12, to just five points, a season low, but their defense could not also squelch the rest of the Cowboy attack.
Mike McGuirl put up 15 points to lead Kansas State, and DaJuan Gordon posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards. The Wildcats were scheduled to host Iowa State on Wednesday night, but COVID-19 issues forced the postponement of that matchup. So the Wildcats should have some extra rest going into their matchup with the Longhorns. If you like K-State here, you see them taking advantage of a Texas team that still might be down after their loss to Texas Tech.
Why should you put your money on the Longhorns?
Mac McClung stuck a dagger into the Longhorns on Wednesday night, knocking down a contested jumper to give Texas Tech the win with just three seconds remaining on the clock. Andrew Jones led Texas with 20 points, but he only had two of those in the second half, thanks to a stout Red Raider defense. Jericho Sims scored 16 points but went just 6 of 14 from the free throw line, missing two key free throws in the late minutes. Texas did lead by four points with 1:40 remaining in regulation, but then things fell apart. That makes six wins in the last seven meetings for Texas Tech, including the last three down in Austin.
Even so, Texas should bounce back from this. Shaka Smart has turned the program around, and they have been clutch for the most part in close games. This was their first loss in five games decided by no more than three points. Jones nailed a three-pointer to win the game in the last seconds at West Virginia in the Longhorns’ last game.
Final Score and Prediction
Kansas State is struggling to compete in the Big 12 this year, and they face a Texas team that will have plenty of steam to blow off after losing again to Texas Tech. Kansas State may put up their usual stiff defense in the early going, but they don’t have the offensive talent to match Texas down the stretch. I see the first half going somewhat close, but then the Longhorns should pull away. My final score prediction is Texas 88, Kansas State 70.
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