Kansas State Wildcats vs Cincinnati Bearcats Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

No. 17 Cincinnati Kicks Off Big 12 Play vs. Struggling Kansas State

The Big 12 Conference season begins Monday with No. 17 Cincinnati traveling to Manhattan, Kansas, to face Kansas State. Both teams are navigating different trajectories as they enter league competition.

Cincinnati Exceeding Expectations

The Bearcats (10-1) were picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll but have surged to tie No. 3 Iowa State for the conference’s best nonconference record. Their only setback came against Villanova earlier this month, followed by four consecutive victories, including an 84-49 rout of Grambling on Dec. 22.

Head coach Wes Miller expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparation heading into the conference slate.

“We took care of business in nonconference,” Miller said. “We wanted to put ourselves in a position to go into league play and to be a quality team. I believe we’ve done that.”

Cincinnati has thrived statistically, boasting a +21.0 scoring margin, fifth-best in the Big 12 and tied for 11th nationally. The Bearcats average 79.5 points per game while allowing just 58.5. Their balanced scoring is led by Simas Lukosius, who averages 14.9 points per game and shoots 42.3 percent from 3-point range. Five players contribute between 9.6 and 14.9 points per contest, underscoring the team’s depth.

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Kansas State Searching for Consistency

Kansas State (6-5) has underwhelmed after being picked eighth in the Big 12 preseason poll. The Wildcats enter Monday’s matchup on a three-game losing streak, including a dispiriting 84-65 loss to Wichita State where they squandered a halftime lead. It was their second double-digit loss this season after leading at the break.

Preseason Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year Coleman Hawkins has struggled to find his rhythm. While he has shown flashes, such as a 19-point, 10-rebound performance against Longwood, consistency has been elusive. Hawkins has scored in double figures in just five of the team’s 11 games, including a six-point outing against Wichita State.

Head coach Jerome Tang remains focused on long-term improvement despite the frustrations.

“The frustration in the locker room is hurt (about) losing,” Tang said. “It doesn’t matter if that’s over a span of three days or 20 days. Nobody wants to lose games. We have to keep working, and we will because we have a high ‘care factor’ in the locker room.”

The Wildcats are led in scoring by Brendan Hausen (13.9 points per game) and David N’Guessan (13.6).

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Outlook

Cincinnati comes in with confidence and momentum, leveraging a balanced attack and defensive prowess. Kansas State, meanwhile, hopes to regroup and find stability as it enters Big 12 play. For the Wildcats to compete, they’ll need consistent production from Hawkins and improved execution across the board.

The Bearcats will look to assert their dominance and keep their winning streak alive, while Kansas State seeks to turn its season around with a statement win on its home court.

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