Kansas State vs Cincinnati Odds & Prediction: Can Bearcats Keep It Close?

Big 12 play keeps rolling with the Kansas State Wildcats hitting the road to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats. Something will have to give in this one, as Kansas State has been struggling on the road as of late, while Cincy has been very poor at home.

Both teams could desperately use a win as they try to cling to any hope of an NCAA tournament bid.

Kansas State has lost six consecutive away games in Big 12 play. Its only win on the road in conference came back in early January over lowly West Virginia.

With a 17-11 record on the season, Kansas State should feel fortunate to have a winning record at all, given its propensity for winning games that go to overtime. Kansas State has won seven games in overtime this season.

On the other side, Cincy is reeling. The Bearcats have lost six of their last eight games. In that span, the only two wins came by a combined five points. Cincinnati is just 5-10 overall in conference play.

The good news is that Cincy is favored in two of its final three games, according to KenPom. If the Bearcats can win out, there's an off chance that they could earn their way back into the NCAA tournament picture.

Let's dive into the Kansas State Wildcats vs. Cincinnati Bearcats odds and make a prediction in our college basketball betting preview for Saturday, March 2.

The reason Kansas State has been able to hang around in games against more talented opponents is primarily because of its defense.

Kansas State is ranked 19th overall in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, and its defense ranks highly in nearly all of the important categories.

The Wildcats rank in the top 100 in 3-point percentage defense, 2-point percentage defense and block rate.

Their one main vulnerability is giving up second chance opportunities — opposing teams are rebounding 32% of their misses. Kansas State ranks just 293rd in college basketball at preventing second chances.

On offense, turnovers have been a massive issue. The Wildcats turn the ball over on 21% of their offensive possessions, which ranks just 348th in college basketball. The Wildcats have six different players with a turnover rate of 20% or higher.

Cincinnati is unlikely to capitalize in the turnover category. The Bearcats only turn over opposing offenses 17% of the time, which ranks just 193rd in college basketball.

However, they may be able to exploit Kansas State's other weakness.

Cincy ranks seventh in all of college basketball in offensive rebounding percentage. The Bearcats generate a second chance opportunity 38% of the time, so they'll be able to beat up Kansas State on the boards.

Overall, Cincy ranks in the top 100 on both offense and defense. It's better on the defensive end (24th) than it is offensively (83rd), but it's balanced enough on both ends to stay competitive.

Despite losing its last three in its own gym, Cincy still holds a good record at home on the season, winning 12 of its 17 games at home.

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Cincinnati should be able to feast on the offensive boards in this one.

If the Bearcats can generate second-chance opportunities at their usual rate, they'll be able to wear Kansas State down over the course of 40 minutes and extend the lead en route to a cover.

Pick: Cincinnati -7