PREMIUM
Rogers' Big 12 vs. SEC Challenge 3-Pack
(NCAAB) Georgia vs. Kansas State,
Point Spread: 7.50 | -110.00 Georgia (Away)
Result: Win
Point Spread: 7.50 | -110.00 Georgia (Away)
Result: Win
The set-up: It's more Big12/SEC Challenge action in this matchup between the 12-7 Georgia Bulldogs and the 15-5 Kansas State Wildcats. The Bulldogs could sure use a win as the head to Manhattan, Ks. losers of four of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have won seven of their last 10.
Georgia: The 6-8 Yante Maten leads the SEC in scoring at 19.9 points per game and ranks second in rebounding (9.4) and is the lone player averaging in double digits for a team scoring a modest 70.23 PPG (271st). Guard William Jackson hit a career-high five three-pointers in the Arkansas loss, finishing with 15 points, and is just under 10 PPG at 9.7. However, the Bulldogs have 'shot themselves in the foot' by committed 36 turnovers in consecutive losses to Auburn and Arkansas. Defensively, the Bulldogs lead the SEC and are 10th in the country in field-goal percentage defense (38.8 percent), while holding opponents to 66.6 PPG (51st).
Kansas State; The Wildcats score more than Georgia, averaging 77.4 PPG (94th) on 49.2 percent shooting (22nd) and allow about the same defensively (67.4 PPG on 42.1 percent shooting). Guard Barry Brown is averaging 17.8 points and 3.5 assists while 6-10 Dean Wade is averaging 16.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Kamau Stokes is a third double-digit scorer at 13.4 PPG.but is out with a foot injury. 6-5 small forward Xavier Sneed averages 11.1 & 4.4.
The pick: Kansas State seems to be growing in confidence, as the Wildcats haven't trailed at any point in their past two games (victories over TCU and Baylor), which followed an 18-point win over Oklahoma. Head coach Bruce Weber said he is seeing his players mature in their preparation. After this game, Georgia plays four of its next six games against ranked teams (two games against No. 20 Florida, one game each against No. 19 Auburn and No. 22 Tennessee). A loss here means an already disappointing season will only get worse. I'm taking the SEC team and making Georgia an 8* play.
Georgia: The 6-8 Yante Maten leads the SEC in scoring at 19.9 points per game and ranks second in rebounding (9.4) and is the lone player averaging in double digits for a team scoring a modest 70.23 PPG (271st). Guard William Jackson hit a career-high five three-pointers in the Arkansas loss, finishing with 15 points, and is just under 10 PPG at 9.7. However, the Bulldogs have 'shot themselves in the foot' by committed 36 turnovers in consecutive losses to Auburn and Arkansas. Defensively, the Bulldogs lead the SEC and are 10th in the country in field-goal percentage defense (38.8 percent), while holding opponents to 66.6 PPG (51st).
Kansas State; The Wildcats score more than Georgia, averaging 77.4 PPG (94th) on 49.2 percent shooting (22nd) and allow about the same defensively (67.4 PPG on 42.1 percent shooting). Guard Barry Brown is averaging 17.8 points and 3.5 assists while 6-10 Dean Wade is averaging 16.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Kamau Stokes is a third double-digit scorer at 13.4 PPG.but is out with a foot injury. 6-5 small forward Xavier Sneed averages 11.1 & 4.4.
The pick: Kansas State seems to be growing in confidence, as the Wildcats haven't trailed at any point in their past two games (victories over TCU and Baylor), which followed an 18-point win over Oklahoma. Head coach Bruce Weber said he is seeing his players mature in their preparation. After this game, Georgia plays four of its next six games against ranked teams (two games against No. 20 Florida, one game each against No. 19 Auburn and No. 22 Tennessee). A loss here means an already disappointing season will only get worse. I'm taking the SEC team and making Georgia an 8* play.
