Kansas State (13-12) at Utah (14-11)
- When: Feb 17 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Utah is favored by 2.5 | Total set at 146.0
Monday night’s Big 12 matchup in Salt Lake City features two teams coming off very different weekend performances. Kansas State aims to bounce back after a humbling road loss to BYU, while Utah looks to carry momentum from a major upset victory over Kansas. With postseason implications looming, both squads will be looking to make a statement.
Kansas State Wildcats: Looking to Rebound
The Wildcats (13-12, 7-7 Big 12) were riding a six-game winning streak before suffering an 80-65 loss to BYU on Saturday. Kansas State was completely outmatched in the first half, falling behind 40-22 at the break, and never recovered.
Guard Dug McDaniel, who put up 22 points in the loss, emphasized the team’s determination to refocus:
“We were on a hot streak and got humbled, so it’s time to start it up again,” McDaniel said. “I feel like the guys are gonna take this loss very seriously and we’re gonna go get the next one.”
For Kansas State to be competitive, they must improve on their slow start from Saturday and find ways to control Utah’s perimeter shooters. The Wildcats are an inconsistent offensive team, and if they fall behind early again, it could spell trouble.
Utah Utes: Riding High After Statement Win
Utah (14-11, 6-8 Big 12) comes into this game fresh off a huge 74-67 home victory over No. 17 Kansas. The Utes snapped their own losing skid with that performance, picking up their first Quad 1 win of the season.
The key to that victory was senior guard Gabe Madsen, who erupted for 24 points and hit five 3-pointers. In the process, he became Utah’s all-time leader in made threes with 288, passing Nick Jacobson’s previous mark of 287.
“It’s been an up-and-down year for me shooting-wise, so to do it tonight and in that fashion is just, it’s pretty cool,” Madsen said.
Utah hit 11 triples overall against Kansas, which helped them build a lead and fend off the Jayhawks’ late rally. The Utes now look to ride that momentum into another strong home performance against Kansas State.
Betting Prediction and Best Bets
This matchup presents an interesting betting angle, as both teams have had moments of inconsistency this season. However, Utah has been much stronger at home, and their perimeter shooting should give them a slight edge. Kansas State’s poor first-half showing against BYU raises concerns, and if they fall into an early deficit again, it will be difficult to recover against a Utah team feeling confident.
Prediction: Utah 75, Kansas State 69
Best Bet: Utah -2.5
Lean: Under 146.0
Prop Play: Gabe Madsen Over 2.5 Made 3-Pointers
Expect the Utes to build off their upset win over Kansas and secure another big home victory while covering the spread.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
