Texas vs. Kansas State best bet: Longhorns defense will shut down Wildcats

One of the best games of the day is a Big 12 showdown between two Top 10 teams.

The No. 10 Texas Longhorns will hit the road to take on the No. 7 Kansas State Wildcats. Texas sits in first place in the Big 12 with a 7-2 record, while Kansas Staet is part of a four-way tie for second place at 6-3.

A win today would tie Kansas State atop the conference alongside Texas, but can they get it done?

Let’s take a look at the odds for the game and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Texas vs. Kansas State odds, spread, and total

Texas vs. Kansas State prediction and pick

These two teams are not just similar in record, they’re similar in a lot of areas statistically as well. With that being said, there are a few areas that I believe gives Texas the edge.

One of those areas has to do with Kansas State’s shooting. The Wildcats are one of the few teams in college basketball who has shot better on the road than at home, with their effective field goal percentage dropping 2.8% on their home court.

That, right away, tells us that we shouldn’t blindly bet on Kansas State due to the Cats being at home today.

The other, and more significant area that we should focus on, is the defense of the Longhorns.

One of their biggest advantages is in the turnover department. Their opponents are turning the ball over on 21.9% of their possessions against them, which is the 25th best rate in the country.

Now, they face a Kansas State team that ranks 229th in turnovers per possession, coughing up the ball on 18.7% of their plays.

I’ll back Texas to get the job done today.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.