NCAA Basketball Free Picks: Missouri Tigers at Kansas State Wildcats
Saturday, January 07, 2012
by Frank Martin
Undefeated Missouri Tigers faces its toughest challenge yet at No. 22 Kansas State Wildcats, where it hasn't won since 2004.
Last year, the Tigers were 1-7 on the road in the Big 12, while the Wildcats were 7-1 at home, including an 80-70 win over Missouri.
Kansas State needs to use their size advantage to slow down Tiger forward Ricardo Ratliffe, who leads the nation in field goal percentage at 76.7 percent.
- Missouri Tigers @ Kansas State Wildcats
When: 1:30 PM ET, Saturday, January 7, 2012
Where: Fred Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kansas
TV: 1:30 pm ET, Big 12 Network
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SBG Global Sportsbook currently have the Tigers listed as 1-point favorites versus the Wildcats.
Missouri Tigers (14-0): Despite its four-guard starting lineup, No. 6 Missouri outrebounded Oklahoma 38-23 on Tuesday in handing the Sooners their worst Big 12 loss, 87-49. With the departure of redshirt freshman Kadeem Green this week, Missouri is down to seven scholarship players with only two taller than 6-foot-6. What the Tigers lack in size, they make up for in shooting lights out. They lead the nation at 52.2 percent. Missouri is led by 18.8 points per game from All-American candidate Marcus Denmon.
Kansas State Wildcats (11-2): Last time out, Kansas State was outrebounded by 24 in a 67-49 loss to No. 15 Kansas. The Wildcats made just 18-of-57 shots. Without Jacob Pullen, Kansas State lacks a dynamic scorer and Rodney McGruder's 12.7 points per game are good enough to lead the team. Senior forward Jamar Samuels chips in 11.7 points and seven rebounds per game. Kansas State gets to the line better than any team in the Big 12 (almost 28 times per game) and if they can get Ratliffe in foul trouble, it should have a significant advantage.
1. Missouri leads the all-time series 117-116. With Missouri moving to the SEC next year, a win could lock up the series for the foreseeable future.
2. After being left off the initial watch list, Missouri’s Phil “Flip” Pressey (9.4 ppg, 6.1 apg) was named one of 20 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award this week, presented to the nation’s top point guard.
3. Kansas State is 6-6 at home against Top 25 teams under Frank Martin, including a 4-3 mark against Top 10 teams.
BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Tigers 73, Wildcats 70.
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frank martin - fred bramlage coliseum - jacob pullen - jamar samuels - kadeem green - kansas state wildcats - marcus denmon - missouri tigers - ricardo ratliffe - rodney mcgruder