The Houston Cougars and the Kansas State Wildcats continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. central on ESPN+. The Cougars (11-3, 3-0 in Big 12) are ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 while Kansas State (7-7, 1-2) is not ranked.
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Houston had lost three games in non-conference play, but seems to have found its groove with Big 12 action underway, winning all three games by double-digits (13, 31, 19). Meantime, Kansas State had a brutal non-conference, then upset Cincinnati to start league play, before dropping their last two vs. TCU and Oklahoma State.
Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
How to Watch Houston vs. Kansas State
Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN
Site: United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
Houston vs. Kansas State Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Houston -11.5
Current Line: Houston -11
Over/Under: 128 (opened at 129)
Houston vs. Kansas State Predictions
Houston is becoming the team we thought they would be all season, but Kansas State is not close to it, and it seems to be getting worse for the Wildcats. The only bright spot was the win vs. Cincinnati, since then, a blown lead vs. TCU and a blowout vs. a rebuilding Oklahoma State team has plenty of fans grumbling in Manhattan. Plus, there’s Coleman Hawkins calling out his own team for poor preparation. It’s not going well for Jerome Tang in Year #3 in Manhattan.
Related: Big 12 Basketball Power Rankings: Two Newcomers in the Top 5
The biggest problem for Kansas State going into this game is that they have been the worst three-point defense in the Big 12 in conference play, and now have to take on Houston, who is No. 1 in the Big 12, hitting over 41% of their three-pointers through three league games.
Also, Kansas State has been the worst three-point shooting team in the Big 12 so far, hitting less than 25% from downtown in three games.
L.J. Cryer, Emmanuel Sharp and Co. are going to have a field day in Manhattan, as the tough start to the season will continue for the Wildcats.
Houston 75, Kansas State 62
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Houston (91.3% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
