The Baylor Bears travel to play the Kansas State Wildcats in a Tuesday evening matchup set to tip off on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. CT. Both teams are in pretty bad spots overall, with Kansas State’s postseason hopes being killed weeks ago, and the Bears on the wrong side of the bubble. Kansas State sits in a tie for last place with Utah, and with six games remaining, they elected to fire head coach Jerome Tang. Meantime, Baylor has been trying to bounce back, sitting at 13-12 overall and 3-9 in conference play. Here’s a preview, prediction, key storylines, and updated odds to keep an eye on in this matchup as we get set for the game in Waco, Texas.
Kansas State vs. Baylor Basketball Odds
The Baylor Bears currently sit as 3.5-point favorites, with an over/under total points set at 159.5 total points.
Key Storyline: Tang-Less Cats
Maybe the biggest Big 12 storyline of the season for a Big 12 team. After three years and some change, Kansas State will enter the game without Jerome Tang wearing purple on the court. Former North Florida head coach Matthew Driscoll has inherited the reins for the Wildcats, and will look to make a statement against a Baylor program that’s etched at the hip of Jerome Tang.
Match Up to Watch: Baylor Offense vs. Kansas State Defense
This has to be the matchup to watch. Baylor has a Top Five offense in the Big 12 this season, averaging 83.4 points per game, while K-State has the second-worst defense in the league, surrendering 80.7 points per game. The Wildcats are beat up and have a number of guys out, and following a mid-season coaching change, it feels like this one has the makings of an offensive barrage for Baylor.
Prediction: Baylor 84, Kansas State 79
I know I just said Baylor will score a ton, and 84 is right around their season average, but there’s something to be said when teams make a massive change. You see it every year in just about every major sport. For the first time in a long while, Bramlage Coliseum should be loud, with fans eager for the road ahead. Even though I expect K-State to play better, Baylor gets the win and covers the spread.
