After two, too-close-for-comfort wins last week, the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns enter Monday’s game at Kansas State in a role which they have yet to play this year: As an underdog.
The Longhorns go to Manhattan, KS, coming off two wins in the last six days in which they were behind in the second half in both games, and even needed overtime to hold on against Texas A&M Saturday night. However, they are still undefeated, and there’s a reason they’re ranked No. 1 in the country.
Texas is college basketball’s second highest scoring team, averaging 88 points per game. They can beat you from all five positions on the court, and may have the deepest roster in the sport. Leading the way is a ferocious frontcourt, full of future NBA talent.
No senior has upped his game more this year than Damion James, who decided last spring against entering the NBA Draft. James has come back to Austin, and had a career year. He’s averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds, while re-creating himself as maybe the most versatile big man in college basketball.
Dexter Pittman provides help to James on the inside, while freshmen J’Covan Brown and Avery Bradley help on the perimeter, as both are averaging double-figures. Bradley has scored 20 or more points in two of his last three games.
As for Kansas State, they don’t have nearly the bulk on the inside of Texas, and prefer to do their damage on the perimeter. Their top two scorers are a pair of ultra-quick guards, in senior Denis Clemente and junior Jacob Pullen. The two combine to average close to 35 points per game, and are deadly 3-point shooters. Undersized forward Jamar Samuels teams with UConn transfer Curtis Kelly in the paint.
When this game tips off, the key will be whether Kansas State can handle the inside play of Texas. The Longhorns lead college basketball with an average of 45 rebounds per game, while the Wildcats grab just 39 a contest.
Even still, there’s a reason that Kansas State is the favorite in the betting odds Monday, they’re honestly as good as advertised. But will they pull off the upset? Probably not.
Because, even though the Wildcats enter this game as the favorite, that has as much to do with Texas playing poorly of late, as Kansas State has played well. However, after being a double-digit favorite in virtually every game this season, Texas is finally playing with something to prove. Which is a scary proposition for whomever their opponent might be.
Will the Longhorns stay undefeated forever? Absolutely not. But will they survive a trip to Kansas State Monday night? Yes.
Take the No. 1 team in the country, and underdog in this one, in the college basketball betting odds.
Aaron’s Pick: Texas +1 ½
-Courtesy of Betus.com
Related posts:
- Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas State Wildcats Pick & Odds: February 28th 2011
- Kansas State vs. Texas Tech Betting Odds, Pick & Trends: February 23rd 2010
- Texas A&M Aggies vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick: October 23rd 2010
- Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick & Odds: January 11th 2011
- Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick & Point Spread: March 12th 2011
