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No. 3 Arizona collides with KSU on Tuesday
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Published: 11/25/2014  at  4:03:00 AM
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KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (3-1)

vs. ARIZONA WILDCATS (4-0)

Maui Invitational - Semifinals
Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Line: Arizona -10.5, Total: 135.5

No. 3 Arizona looks to earn a spot in the Maui Invitational Finals when it takes on Kansas State on Tuesday night.

Arizona has a lot of talent, but was not able to get off to a great start against Missouri on Monday. The score was within one possession, with Arizona eventually taking a 7-point lead into intermission. However, the second half saw the Wildcats pull away, using their superior athleticism to put the game out of reach, 72-53. The past two games have seen Arizona get off to slow starts, as the Wildcats were down three at the half against UC Irvine, before pulling out a 71-54 victory. A slow start against Kansas State could put Arizona in big trouble, as Bruce Weber’s team got off to a fast start Purdue, taking a 15-point lead into the half. However, unlike Arizona, KSU (1-1 ATS) struggled in the second half, allowing 55 points against Purdue before barely hanging on for the 88-79 victory. Both teams have telling betting trends in this one, as Kansas State is 9-0 ATS versus top-level teams (80%+ win pct.) in the past two seasons, while Arizona is 21-10 ATS in November games under head coach Sean Miller.

Can Kansas State pull off the upset against Arizona? For the latest college basketball picks, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The experts have begun the 2014-15 season with a bang, posting a collective 76% ATS mark (38-12) in Best Bets through Tuesday. All five experts are 60% ATS or better on Best Bets, led by StatFox Gary's astounding 9-1 ATS mark. StatFox Dave and StatFox Zach are 8-2 ATS, StatFox Scott is 7-3 ATS, and StatFox Brian is 6-4 ATS to open the season.

Kansas State enters this game ranked 45th in the nation in scoring (80.3 PPG), 63rd in assists (16.0 APG) and 65th in shooting (48.4% FG). Leading the way for the Wildcats is PF Thomas Gipson (17.0 PPG, 68% FG, 6.7 RPG), who has continued to get better throughout his career. He came into last season in much better shape, and that has continued into this season. He has the ability to play 30+ minutes this season, giving the Wildcats a true post presence. PG Marcus Foster (11.3 PPG, 1.7 APG, 40% threes) and SG Justin Edwards (9.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG) form one of the most athletic backcourts in the Big 12. Foster was tremendous as a freshman for Kansas State, while Edwards was the leading scorer at Maine two seasons ago. There are talented role players as well, as SF Nino Williams (12.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG) and PG Jevon Thomas (5.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, 3.3 RPG) are able to give the Wildcats timely scoring and defense.

Arizona has been very good on offense as well, ranking 36th in the nation in shooting (50.6% FG), 66th in scoring (78.3 PPG) and 99th in assists (15.0 APG). PF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (15.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 68% FG) is emerging as a star, using his versatility and athleticism to attack the rim. The Wildcats are a very deep team, with many players capable of having big-scoring nights. Guys like SF Brandon Ashley (15.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 60% FG) and swingman Stanley Johnson (12.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 49% FG) are two guys that can score in many different ways. At 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, Johnson is built like an NBA player. His size allows him to finish against contact in the paint, while also playing some physical defense. The leader on the team is senior PG T.J. McConnell (7.8 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.3 SPG), who can dominate a game without scoring many points. There are few true point guards in college basketball, and McConnell definitely fits that role. With the athletes on the perimeter, he is the perfect player to run the offense. If the Wildcats improve on rebounding (36.7 RPG), then there should be more opportunities to get out run, which is when Arizona is at its best.


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