Cincinnati Bearcats vs Kansas State Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Cincinnati vs Kansas State NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Manhattan.

Cincinnati vs Kansas State Prediction

Betting on today's Bearcats and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, KS, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on CBSS. In this Big 12 matchup, Cincinnati is favored bt -3.5 vs. Kansas State. The over/under for the game is 140.5 points.

Cincinnati vs. Kansas State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Cincinnati Bearcats at Kansas State Wildcats
Where: Manhattan at Bramlage Coliseum
Date: Monday, December 30th
Betting Odds CIN -3.5, CIN -157 | KANST +126 O/U 140.5

Bearcats Preview: Will the Bearcats Secure A Victory as Road Favorites?

Cincinnati Bearcats Recent Game/Games

The Bearcats improved to 10-1 on the season with an 84-49 win over Grambling State on Sunday. Playing at home, Cincinnati entered the game as heavy favorites, listed at -29, and covered the spread. The total points for the game ended at 133, just under the O/U line of 136.5.

Cincinnati led 37-24 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, scoring 47 points while holding Grambling State to 25. The Bearcats' strong defensive performance and ability to extend their lead after the break were key factors in the win.

Bearcats Offense Breakdown

The Bearcats put up 84 points in their latest game, shooting 46.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 52.3%, thanks in large part to hitting 63.6% of their two-point attempts (21/33).

From beyond the arc, Cincinnati struggled, making just 28.1% of their threes (9/32). They also grabbed 18 offensive rebounds and dished out 17 assists, with Mikale Stevenson leading the way with 7 assists.

Bearcats Team Defense

Despite Cincinnati’s defensive struggles, they held their opponent to 49 points in their last game. The Bearcats allowed a 46% shooting performance, with the opposing team hitting 30 of their 65 attempts.

Inside the arc, Cincinnati gave up 21 two-pointers on 33 attempts, a 63% conversion rate. From three-point range, the opponent shot 28%, making 9 of 32 shots. Cincinnati also sent them to the line 20 times, where they hit 15 free throws.

Wildcats Preview: Is an Upset Waiting to Happen at Home?

Kansas State Wildcats Recent Game

Kansas State’s season record dropped to 6-5 after a tough 84-65 road loss to Wichita State on Saturday. The Wildcats, who entered the game as -1.5 favorites, not only failed to cover the spread but also saw the total points fall just short of the 151.5 over/under line, with the teams combining for 149 points.

Despite leading 33-29 at halftime, Kansas State struggled defensively in the second half, allowing 55 points while scoring only 32. This collapse was a key factor in their loss to the Shockers.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Kansas State's offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 36.2% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range. They also had a rough time at the free-throw line, hitting only 40% of their attempts.

Xavier Bell led the Wildcats with 24 points, while Macaleab Rich added 20 points, shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. Corey Washington contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, connecting on 75% of his shots and hitting 2-of-3 from deep.

Wildcats Team Defense

Despite Kansas State's defensive efforts, they allowed 84 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Wildcats couldn't contain their opponent inside, giving up 53% on two-point attempts, with 26 makes on 49 shots.

From beyond the arc, Kansas State's defense saw 10 three-point attempts, with 4 makes for 40%. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 20 free throws at a 90% rate.

Bearcats vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five road games, Cincinnati has averaged 70 points per game while allowing 67. The team's record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
In their last three games at home, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 0-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 72 points per game in these contests.
Looking back on the team's last ten games as the underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 3-7. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.
Against the spread, the Bearcats have put together of 2-3 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 4-1 straight up.