Kansas State Wildcats vs. Utah Utes Prediction and Betting Tips

Posted on February 17, 2025 by author in Betting

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The Kansas State Wildcats and Utah Utes are set to clash in a thrilling Big 12 conference matchup on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City. With both teams fighting to improve their standings and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, this game promises to be a nail-biter. Here’s everything you need to know about the Kansas State vs. Utah prediction, betting odds, and key insights to help you make informed decisions.

Game Overview

Date and Time: Monday, February 17, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET
Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV Channel: ESPN2
Betting Odds: Utah -1.5, Over/Under: 145.5

Team Breakdowns

Kansas State Wildcats

The Wildcats enter this game with a 13-12 overall record and a 7-7 standing in the Big 12. Despite a recent 80-65 loss to BYU that snapped their six-game winning streak, Kansas State has shown resilience, winning six of their last seven games. Key players to watch include:

Dug McDaniel: The junior guard leads the team with 11.4 points and 4.5 assists per game. He scored 22 points in the loss to BYU.
David N’Guessan: The senior forward averages 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, making him a crucial presence in the paint.
Brendan Hausen: A sharpshooter who contributes 11.8 points per game and hits 40% of his three-point attempts.

Kansas State ranks 59th in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency margin, with a strong defensive rating of 56th nationally. However, their offense has been inconsistent, ranking 204th in scoring (73.4 PPG) and 147th in field goal percentage (45.5%).

Utah Utes

The Utes, with a 14-11 overall record and a 6-8 Big 12 standing, are coming off a significant 74-67 upset victory over No. 17 Kansas. This win showcased their potential, especially at home, where they’ve won three straight games. Key players include:

Gabe Madsen: The senior guard is Utah’s leading scorer, averaging 15.6 points per game. He dropped 24 points in the win over Kansas.
Ezra Ausar: The junior forward contributes 11.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, providing a solid inside presence.
Lawson Lovering: The senior center averages 8.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, anchoring the defense with 0.9 blocks per game.

Utah ranks 78th in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency margin, with a slightly weaker offense (84th) compared to their defense (78th). They average 75.3 points per game (149th nationally) but struggle with free-throw shooting, ranking 362nd at 61.9%.

Key Matchup Insights

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Kansas State: The Wildcats had a six-game winning streak snapped by BYU but have been strong against ranked opponents, winning four of their last seven games.
Utah: The Utes are 5-1 in their last six home games but have lost three of their last five overall. Their inconsistency against stronger competition is a concern.

Head-to-Head Trends

This is the first meeting between these teams as Big 12 opponents.
Kansas State has a 9-1 ATS record in their last 10 games, while Utah is 12-13 ATS this season.

Home-Court Advantage

Utah has been dominant at home, winning 14 of their last 15 night games at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. However, Kansas State has performed well on the road recently, going 2-1 in their last three away games.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Spread and Moneyline

Spread: Utah is favored by 1.5 points, but Kansas State’s strong ATS record (14-11) makes them an attractive underdog pick.
Moneyline: Utah has a 91.7% win rate as favorites this season, but Kansas State’s recent form suggests they could pull off an upset.

Over/Under

The total is set at 145.5 points. Both teams have strong defenses, with Kansas State ranking 56th and Utah 78th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, their recent games have trended under, making the under a solid bet.

Expert Picks

ATS Pick: Kansas State +1.5
Total Pick: Under 145.5
Score Prediction: Utah 73, Kansas State 72

Why Kansas State Could Win

Momentum: Despite the loss to BYU, the Wildcats have won six of their last seven games, including victories over ranked teams.
Defense: Kansas State’s defense has outperformed expectations, ranking 7th in defensive momentum.
Road Resilience: The Wildcats have shown they can compete on the road, going 2-1 in their last three away games.

Why Utah Could Win

Home Dominance: The Utes are 13-3 at home this season and have won 14 of their last 15 night games at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
Rebounding: Utah averages 35.0 rebounds per game (48th nationally), giving them an edge on the boards.
Star Power: Gabe Madsen’s ability to score in bunches could be the difference-maker in a close game.

Final Thoughts

This game is a toss-up, with both teams having compelling reasons to win. Kansas State’s recent form and strong ATS record make them a tempting pick, but Utah’s home-court advantage and rebounding prowess cannot be ignored. Ultimately, expect a low-scoring, tightly contested battle that could come down to the final possession.

For more expert analysis and betting insights, check out the latest odds and predictions on platforms like BetMGM and ESPN.

Disclaimer: Betting involves risk. Please gamble responsibly.