Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Time: 9:00 PM ET
Location: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
As the college basketball season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup between the Drake Bulldogs and the Kansas State Wildcats on December 17, 2024. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing two teams with different styles and strengths. With both squads looking to solidify their standings early in the season, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.
Drake enters this game undefeated at 9-0, riding a wave of momentum after a recent blowout victory over St. Ambrose. Meanwhile, Kansas State, with a record of 6-3, is eager to bounce back after a tough loss to St. John’s. The clash between these two teams is not just about pride; it’s about proving who can rise to the occasion in a high-pressure environment. So, let’s dive into what makes this matchup so compelling.
Current Form: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not
Drake Bulldogs: Riding High
The Bulldogs have been on fire this season, boasting an impressive 9-0 record. Their recent performance has been nothing short of dominant, highlighted by their recent 90-35 victory against St. Ambrose. This win showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, as they held their opponent to just 35 points—a remarkable feat in college basketball.
Drake’s offense has been efficient, averaging 75 points per game while shooting an impressive 50.1% from the field. Led by standout guard Bennett Stirtz, who averages 17.8 points per game, the Bulldogs have shown they can score from various areas on the court. Stirtz is complemented by Daniel Abreu (13.9 PPG) and Mitch Mascari (12.2 PPG), creating a balanced attack that keeps defenses guessing.
Defensively, Drake has been equally impressive, allowing only 55.2 points per game. Their ability to force turnovers—averaging just 9.6 turnovers per game—demonstrates their discipline and focus on protecting the ball while applying pressure on opponents.
Kansas State Wildcats: Looking to Rebound
On the other hand, Kansas State comes into this matchup with a record of 6-3, looking to shake off a disappointing loss to St. John’s where they fell short with an 88-71 scoreline. Despite their recent struggles, the Wildcats have shown flashes of brilliance this season.
Kansas State averages 80.4 points per game, showcasing a potent offense led by Brendan Hausen, who scores an average of 15.2 points per game and is known for his three-point shooting ability—hitting about 3.67 threes per game, ranking among the best in Division I basketball.
Defensively, however, K-State has been inconsistent, allowing an average of 69.3 points per game. This inconsistency could be a concern against a disciplined team like Drake that thrives on capitalizing on defensive lapses.
Key Statistics: The Numbers Behind the Teams
When we break down the statistics further, several key metrics stand out:
- Effective Field Goal Percentage:
- Drake: 56%
- Kansas State: 52%
This indicates that Drake has been more efficient in scoring opportunities.
- Turnover Rates:
- Drake’s low turnover rate (9.6 TO/G) gives them an advantage in maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.
- Rebounding Percentages:
- Kansas State holds a slight edge in rebounding with an average of 40.4 rebounds per game, compared to Drake’s 36.8 rebounds per game.
These statistics highlight that while Kansas State may have an edge in rebounding, Drake’s efficiency and ball security could be decisive factors in this matchup.
Notable Injuries: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
As of now, both teams appear to be relatively healthy heading into this matchup. No significant injuries have been reported that would impact team rotations or strategies for either squad. This is crucial as it allows both coaches to utilize their full roster without any last-minute adjustments or surprises.
Why I’m Picking the Over at 138 Total Points
With both teams showcasing strong offensive capabilities paired with some defensive vulnerabilities, I believe taking the over at 138 total points is a smart bet for this matchup.
Scoring Potential
- Kansas State’s Offensive Firepower:
- K-State’s ability to score quickly and effectively means they can put up significant numbers against any opponent.
- Drake’s Efficient Scoring:
- With Drake averaging 75 points per game and shooting over 50% from the field, they are well-equipped to contribute significantly to the total score.
- Pace of Play:
- Kansas State tends to play at a faster pace than Drake, which could lead to more possessions and scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Predictive Models Support
To further bolster my prediction for hitting the over, let’s take a look at projections from five respected NCAA basketball prediction models:
- KenPom Ratings: Projects a final score of Kansas State 78, Drake 72 (Total: 150)
- Bart Torvik: Forecasts Kansas State 79, Drake 73 (Total: 152)
- Sagarin Ratings: Suggests Kansas State 77, Drake 74 (Total: 151)
- Haslametrics: Estimates Kansas State 80, Drake 75 (Total: 155)
- BPI (Basketball Power Index): Predicts Kansas State 76, Drake 71 (Total: 147)
These models consistently project totals well above the set line of 138 points, indicating that both teams are likely to exceed expectations offensively.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, as we gear up for this exciting clash between the Drake Bulldogs and Kansas State Wildcats, expect fireworks on both ends of the court! With both teams capable of putting up big numbers and some defensive weaknesses potentially exploited, betting on the over at 138 total points seems like a solid strategy.
This matchup not only promises thrilling basketball but also an opportunity for fans and bettors alike to engage with two competitive programs eager to make their mark this season! So grab your snacks and settle in—this is one game you won’t want to miss!
PICK: over 138 total points WIN
