K-State Wildcats vs. UCF Knights: Big 12 basketball game preview, TV, time and pick
The Kansas State men’s basketball team will begin the Big 12 portion of its schedule at 5 p.m. on Saturday when it hosts UCF inside Bramlage Coliseum.
Here’s everything you need to know before tipoff, plus a score prediction:
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan)
Stream: ESPN2
Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM and 97.5 FM) in Wichita
Betting line: K-State by 2
Over/Under: 138.5
STARTING LINEUPS
P | No. | UCF | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
F | 5 | Omar Payne | 6-10 | Sr. | 5.3 |
G | 24 | Jaylin Sellers | 6-4 | Jr. | 18.6 |
G | 2 | Shemarri Allen | 6-4 | Sr. | 7.6 |
G | 3 | Darius Johnson | 6-1 | Jr. | 14.3 |
G | 12 | Demarr Langford | 6-5 | Sr. | 2.9 |
P | No. | Kansas State | Ht. | Yr. | PPG |
F | 7 | David N’Guessan | 6-9 | Sr. | 7.8 |
F | 13 | Will McNair | 6-11 | Sr. | 7.5 |
G | 24 | Arthur Kaluma | 6-7 | Jr. | 15.2 |
G | 5 | Cam Carter | 6-3 | So. | 16.5 |
G | 2 | Tylor Perry | 5-11 | Sr. | 15.0 |
About UCF (9-3):
The Knights are off to a solid start before as they prepare for their first season in the Big 12. They have won five of their last six games behind consistent scoring from Jaylin Sellers and Darius Johnson. Head coach Johnny Dawkins prides himself on defense and that has shown this season. UCF is only allowing teams to make 31% of their 3-pointers and 43% of their two-pointers. The Knights also come up with a block on 16.1% of their defensive possessions.
About Kansas State (10-3):
The Wildcats are coming off a 62-55 victory over Chicago State and will now turn their attention to the start of Big 12 play. Their first two conference games will be important, as they should be favored against both UCF and West Virginia. Tylor Perry, Cam Carter and Arthur Kaluma have scored most of the points for K-State this season. Other players, such as David N’Guessan and Will McNair and Dai Dai Ames will need to step up and help them during conference games. Reserve forward Taj Manning came off the bench to help K-State in its past game. It’s possible he will once again see meaningful minutes against UCF.
Prediction:
Points may be at a premium in this game.
The Wildcats haven’t scored 70 since early December and the Knights are one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12, allowing just 64.1 points per game. None of their past three opponents have scored 60 against them.
With that in mind, the Big 12 opener for both of these teams could come down to little things like free throws.
K-State tends to play excellent defense at home, and if it finds itself in a close, low-scoring game then it will have an advantage. Why? Because Tylor Perry is one of the best free-throw shooters in the nation, especially in the clutch.
If the Wildcats can make a few open shots early on and then get the ball to Perry in the closing minutes they should be able to close out this game and start Big 12 play with a victory.
K-State 67, UCF 63
Last game prediction: K-State 79, Chicago State 56. (Actual result: K-State 62, Chicago State 55)
Season Record: 11-2
Season Record ATS: 6-7
Season Record O/U: 10-3
