Jerome Tang had long been known as an assistant coach ready to make an impact. As an assistant coach on a National Championship Baylor team, Tang finally got his opportunity when Bruce Weber decided to call it quits at Kansas State. The head coach has now built his own program into a National Championship contender.
Tang’s Kansas State Wildcats earned the #3 seed in the East Bracket, and will take on the Montana State Bobcats, who are the #14 seed.
We will now preview the game plus our betting prediction for this Round of 64 contest. Keep reading for college basketball betting odds, analysis, and a free pick for Montana State vs Kansas State.
2023 March Madness Round of 64 Game
No. 9 Montana State Bobcats vs. No. 8 Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview
Montana State of Big Sky meets Kansas State of Big 12 in NCAA Tourney First Round
ATS Odds: Kansas State -8.5
Moneyline Odds: Montana State +302 / Kansas State -400
Over/Under Odds: 139.5 -110
When: Friday, March 17 at 9:40 pm ET
Where: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
TV / Streaming: CBS
Why Bet on No. 14 Montana State Bobcats against No. 3 Kansas State Wildcats?
The representatives from the Big Sky will be ready for the Wildcats. They beat Weber State in the Big Sky Tournament to earn their berth in the Big Dance. With a 25-9 overall record, the Bobcats will be looking for a huge tournament upset.
The Montana State Bobcats are led by RaeQuan Battle. The All Big Sky performer averaged over 17 points per game this season. The 6’5” guard’s strength and athleticism could cause big problems for the Kansas State defense.
The key for the Bobcats will be their ability to defend. Kansas State can be very sloppy with the ball, and have had turnover issues throughout the season. Montana State is also bigger in most spots than Kansas State, so the Bobcats could control the boards on both ends of the floor.
Montana State Bobcats Offensive Averages
- Points/G: 71.0
- FG %: 50.9
- 3PT%: 17.4
- FT %: 76.3
- Rebounds/G: 31.9
Montana State Bobcats Defensive Averages
- Points/G: 66.9
- FG %: 49.5
- 3PT%: 18.3
- FT %: 74.0
- Rebounds/G: 31.3
Why Bet on No. 3 Kansas State Wildcats against No. 14 Montana State Bobcats?
At 25-9, the Wildcats far exceeded expectations for the season. Kansas State finished well in arguably the best conference in college hoops. We’ll see if this battle-tested group is ready for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament.
Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson will lead the Kansas State scoring attack. This team can score points in bunches, but they hang their hats on their defense. Their perimeter defense is one of the best in the country, and they will need to defend it well against a very efficient three-point shooting Montana State team.
The Kansas State Wildcats navigated one of the toughest leagues in the country. While they struggled at times, especially on the road, they did find ways to beat Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. Two of those wins came on the road, so they have proven that they can win the big ones outside of Manhattan.
Kansas State Wildcats Offensive Averages
- Points/G: 75.5
- FG %: 51.5
- 3PT%: 20.9
- FT %: 75.0
- Rebounds/G: 35.7
Kansas State Wildcats Defensive Averages
- Points/G: 69.9
- FG %: 47.5
- 3PT%: 21.1
- FT %: 69.2
- Rebounds/G: 33.4
Montana State vs Kansas State Betting Trends
- Kansas State’s ATS record is 21-11-0 this season.
- When it has played as at least 8.5-point favorites this season, Kansas State is 4-2 against the spread.
- Kansas State’s games have gone over the point total in 16 out of 32 opportunities (50%).
- When Kansas State scores more than 66.6 points, it is 16-5 against the spread and 17-4 overall.
- The 75.5 points per game the Wildcats average are 8.9 more points than the Bobcats allow (66.6).
- Montana State is 18-11-3 against the spread this year.
- The teams have combined to hit the over in 14 of Montana State’s 32 games with a set total.
- Montana State is winless against the spread (0-1-1) when playing as at least a 8.5-point underdog.
- The Bobcats put up an average of 74.2 points per game, 5.2 more points than the 69 the Wildcats allow.
- Montana State has put together a 13-2-1 ATS record and a 16-2 overall record in games it scores more than 69 points.
Montana State Bobcats vs Kansas State Wildcats Betting Odds and Prediction
The oddsmakers don’t seem to have a lot of faith in the Kansas State Wildcats. As a #3 seed, you would think that they would be heavy favorites. However, they come into this one only favored by 8.5 points.
Even though the Wildcats play great defense on the perimeter, Montana State will keep it close with their three-point shooting ability. Montana State’s size could hurt the Wildcats as well. Kansas State will also have to value the basketball and not turn it over.
Even though the Wildcats are 21-11 against the spread this season, and 4-2 against the spread when favored by 8.5 or more points, we’re still not sure about them. We like them to win the game, but we have the Bobcats covering.
March Madness Round of 64 Pick: Montana State Bobcats covers | Bet Montana State vs Kansas State Today
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Montana State Bobcats beat Weber State Wildcats in Big Sky tournament semifinals | NCAA Basketball Game
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