Friday, March 21, 6:40 PM on CBS

Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Opening Lines & Odds - Kentucky -5 -- Over/Under: 132.5

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No. 9 seed Kansas State (20-12, 10-8 Big 12) takes on No. 8 Kentucky (24-10, 12-6 SEC) on Friday in St. Louis. Kentucky started out the season with high hopes and number one seed expectations. A young team with prospects such as Julius Randle, Aaron Harrison, Dakari Johnson and James Young set fear into the college basketball community. But their youth would show as the season progressed.

They still did quite well throughout the season, but lost a few more games than expected. Kentucky's last game against the Florida Gators gave them a chance to give the Gators their first loss since December. But despite a hard-fought game, Kentucky was unable to take a win, leaving the Gators with a 1-point win and the SEC Tournament trophy.

Kansas State fought hard in their tournament when they suffered a loss to Iowa State 91-85. Key players for Kansas State will be Marcus Foster, averaging 15.6 pts per game and putting up 21 against Iowa State, and Tomas Gispon, averaging 11.8 pts per game and 6.5 rebounds.

Kentucky will likely see good performances by more than just a couple of players. With a well-rounded, deep team, they might have some youth but they also have some depth. We'd lean toward Kentucky in this one based on talent alone.

ATS Trends

Kentucky is 15-15-2 ATS this season

Kentucky is 12-15-2 against the over/under this season

Kansas State is 17-13-0 ATS this season

Kansas State is 11-18-0 against the over/under this season

Injuries to Watch

Kentucky

No Key Injuries to Report

Kansas State

No Key Injuries to Report

Guy's Pick: Take Kentucky

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