Kansas State Wildcats vs West Virginia Mountaineers Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Membership Features

Last Updated on

No. 23 West Virginia will look to rebound and diversify its offensive approach as it faces Kansas State in a Big 12 showdown on Saturday in Manhattan, Kansas. Both teams enter the matchup with something to prove—West Virginia is working to maintain its spot in the rankings, while Kansas State is desperate to snap a losing streak and turn its season around.

Register Here!

West Virginia’s Pursuit of Offensive Consistency

The Mountaineers (13-5, 4-3 Big 12) recently returned to the AP Top 25 for the second time this season but faltered in their last game, losing 65-57 at home to Arizona State. The loss underscored lingering offensive issues for the team, as it shot just 31% from the field and went 4-for-29 from beyond the arc.

Over-reliance on Javon Small
Javon Small, who leads the Big 12 in scoring with 19.5 points per game, struggled mightily against Arizona State, finishing 0-for-8 from three-point range. Head coach Darian DeVries acknowledges that while Small’s scoring ability is key, the team must develop a more balanced offensive attack.

“We have to be able to find different ways to score,” DeVries said. “That’s been our struggle. We need more movement—flare screens, down screens, and off-ball actions to free guys up. Right now, we rely too much on primary ball handlers.”

Fatigue and Rebounding Woes
West Virginia’s packed schedule—four games in nine days—appeared to take a toll, particularly on the boards. The Mountaineers were out-rebounded 46-28 by the Sun Devils, further highlighting the need for energy and effort in key moments. This week, DeVries has emphasized using defense to create offense and reigniting the team’s intensity.

Key Defensive Contributors
Sencire Harris has emerged as a defensive standout for the Mountaineers. The redshirt sophomore transfer from Illinois ranks second on the team with 29 steals and is coming off a four-steal performance against Arizona State. While his offensive numbers remain modest (5.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG), his defensive presence adds a layer of grit to West Virginia’s game plan.

Daily College Basketball Picks

Kansas State’s Quest for a Turnaround

The Wildcats (7-11, 1-6 Big 12) have endured a difficult season, losing six straight and nine of their last 10 games. Despite their struggles, head coach Jerome Tang remains optimistic, drawing from his experience as an assistant at Baylor, where he helped guide a team through a similar slump.

Leadership and Motivation
Following a 70-62 loss at Baylor on Wednesday, Tang invited his former boss, Baylor head coach Scott Drew, to speak to the Wildcats in their locker room. Tang recalled a turning point during Baylor’s 2014 NCAA Tournament run, when the team rebounded from a rough start to reach the Sweet 16.

“Scott told our guys to keep fighting and believing,” Tang said. “We’ve been here before. This team can turn it around. We just have to stay mentally, physically, and spiritually strong.”

Key Player Contributions
David N’Guessan leads Kansas State in scoring (12.6 PPG) and rebounding (7.4 RPG). The senior wing also adds value on defense, ranking second on the team with 15 blocks and third with 15 steals. His versatility will be crucial as the Wildcats aim to end their losing streak.

Defensive Adjustments Needed
The Wildcats’ inability to close out games defensively has been a recurring issue. Tang emphasized the need for better execution late in games and reducing fouls.

“We have to figure out how to get stops down the stretch,” Tang said. “That’s for us as a staff to address. Drawing more fouls and not fouling as much ourselves will be key.”


Key Matchup Themes

Both teams come into the game with clear areas for improvement and high stakes:

  1. West Virginia’s Offensive Balance: DeVries wants to see more scoring options emerge to complement Small and help the team capitalize on possessions.
  2. Kansas State’s Defensive Execution: The Wildcats must tighten up defensively while maintaining discipline to avoid foul trouble.
  3. Rebounding Battle: Both teams have struggled on the boards recently, making this a critical area that could swing momentum.

Prediction and Outlook

The Mountaineers will lean heavily on their defense and hope to regain their shooting touch against a vulnerable Kansas State defense. Meanwhile, the Wildcats will rely on their veteran leaders, including N’Guessan, to guide them in snapping their losing streak. If Kansas State can improve its defensive intensity and limit turnovers, it could keep the game close. However, West Virginia’s firepower, led by Small, may ultimately be too much to overcome.

Premium Package

Conclusion

This Big 12 clash offers an intriguing narrative: a ranked West Virginia team looking to bounce back from an off-night versus a Kansas State squad desperate for redemption. With both teams focused on addressing their weaknesses, the outcome will likely hinge on which side executes better in high-pressure moments.

By Kody Miller | October 28, 2024
By Rick Rockwell | June 20, 2024
WinningCappers, The most trusted name in sports handicapping
spread
moneyline
over/under
Kansas State Wildcats
-
-
-
-
-
West Virginia Mountaineers
-
-
-
-
-
STEAM PLAYS
STEAM PLAYS | Handicapper

Steam moves occur when sharps and/or syndicates bet heavily on one side of a betting line. 

#1 Basketball
Yesterday
-
Last 7 days
-
Last 3 days
-
Last 30 days
-