It will be a battle between Big 12 opponents when the Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-9, 0-6 Big 12) welcome the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks (16-3, 5-1 Big 12) to Gallagher-Iba Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 27, 2020.
Kansas Jayhawks at Oklahoma State Cowboys ATS Prediction
The Jayhawks will be looking for similar success after beating the Tennessee Volunteers in their last game, 74-68. Kansas’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Tennessee. The Jayhawks had a rate of 8.1 (better than their season average of 16.9), while the Volunteers posted a mark of 19.5. Kansas was led by Udoka Azubuike, who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Cowboys’ last game, they beat the Texas A&M Aggies, 73-62. Oklahoma State’s 0.224 free throw rate was their largest strength over Texas A&M, who had a mark of 0.153. The Cowboys’ mark was below their season average of 0.233, while the Aggies’ was below their season average of 0.275. With 11 points and nine rebounds, Yor Anei had a solid outing for Oklahoma State.
After the Jayhawks won both matchups against the Cowboys last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Kansas won 72-67. One of Kansas’ biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-23 (87.0 percent), while the Cowboys were just 2-5 (40.0 percent).
The ineffective offense of Oklahoma State (270th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 98.3) will battle against the elite defense of Kansas (15th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 88.6). The Jayhawks figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Kansas vs. Oklahoma State Free Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Kansas ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Oklahoma State ranks 196th (36.5).
The Jayhawks rank 52nd in assists per game (14.9) while the Cowboys rank 163rd in assists allowed per game (13.4).
Oklahoma State ranks 163rd in three pointers attempted per game (21.4) while Kansas ranks 259th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
The Jayhawks rank 30th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Cowboys rank 105th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Kansas averages 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the NCAA. Oklahoma State ranks 106th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Jayhawks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, down from 15.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
