Kansas vs. Kansas State Prediction, Picks & Odds: College Basketball Picks Today (Jan. 24)
The Sunflower Showdown takes place in Manhattan, Kan., on Saturday, as I make my Kansas vs. Kansas State prediction ahead of tipoff at 8 p.m. ET at Bramlage Coliseum (FOX).
The Jayhawks (14-5, 4-2 Big 12) have historically been the superior team in this rivalry and are certainly better than the Wildcats (10-9, 1-5) this year. However, Kansas might be without its best player and hasn’t won in Manhattan since 2022. Could K-State pull off another upset?
🏀 Kansas vs. Kansas State predictions
See our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds.
| Prediction | Best odds | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State +5.5 | -110 via DraftKings | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Under 160.5 | -105 via BetMGM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Melvin Council Jr. Over 13.5 points | -110 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💰 Kansas vs. Kansas State best bet: Under 160.5 (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is questionable after turning his ankle against Colorado earlier this week. Given the Jayhawks have a week off after this game, I’d be surprised if Peterson plays on Saturday.
The total might not be adjusted enough by his potential absence, as the Jayhawks’ offense is much worse without Peterson. Kansas is averaging 73.4 points in the nine games without Peterson compared to the 81.8 points in the 10 games with him on the floor.
I like the value of the full-game Under in Saturday’s rivalry battle.
Score prediction: Kansas 80, Kansas State 75
🔥 Best Kansas vs. Kansas State player prop: Melvin Council Jr., Kansas, Over 13.5 points (-110) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Peterson is off the floor, Kansas senior Melvin Council Jr. typically sees the biggest bump in usage as the lead guard. He’s also been way more comfortable on the offensive end since scoring 36 points against NC State on Dec. 13.
Counting that breakout performance, Council is averaging 16.5 points over his past nine outings. He’s scored at least 15 points six times over that span, including four of his past six contests.
I’ll bank on Council’s momentum in a game where he might be the driving force for the Jayhawks.
📊 Live Kansas vs. Kansas State odds
📈 Kansas vs. Kansas State betting trends
| Kansas | Statistic | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|
| 14-5 | W-L record | 10-9 |
| 12-7 | ATS record | 7-12 |
| 6-13 | O/U record | 10-9 |
| 4-1 | Last 5 games | 1-4 |
📺 How to watch Kansas vs. Kansas State
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 24
- Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan, Kan.)
- TV: FOX
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