Pick 44:- Oscar Tshiebwe Under 16.5 Points (-115)

Kentucky @ Kansas State

Oscar Tshiebwe's recent performance signals an under bet for his points against Kansas State, with the line set at 16.5. 

As March Madness continues to build up the hype, the Kentucky Wildcats are gearing up to face the Kansas State Wildcats in a second-round showdown. One player in the spotlight for this matchup is Kentucky's leading scorer, Oscar Tshiebwe, who's been averaging 16.2 points per game this season. However, bettors might want to consider taking the under on Tshiebwe's points for this clash, with the line currently set at 16.5. Here's why.

In their first-round victory against Providence, Tshiebwe had a relatively quiet night offensively, putting up just 8 points. While this may seem like an anomaly, it's worth noting that Kansas State boasts a strong defense, with a defensive rating of 96.1, ranking them 49th out of 363 eligible teams. This high-caliber defense could prove challenging for Tshiebwe to break through and rack up points.

Furthermore, Tshiebwe's primary contribution in the game against Providence was on the glass, where he snagged a staggering 25 rebounds. This stat demonstrates his ability to impact the game in other ways, even when his scoring takes a dip. With Kentucky's head coach, John Calipari, known for his tactical prowess, it's entirely possible that he'll focus on Tshiebwe's rebounding and defensive prowess during the matchup against Kansas State.

The key matchup in this game will be Tshiebwe going head-to-head with Kansas State's leading scorer, Kevontae Johnson. This battle could potentially limit Tshiebwe's scoring opportunities, as both players will be vying for dominance on the court. Additionally, Kansas State's overall team defense could make it difficult for Tshiebwe to find his rhythm and get into the zone for scoring.

Moreover, the pressure of March Madness may play a role in Tshiebwe's performance. Although Coach Calipari's experience and leadership will undoubtedly prepare his team for the high-stakes environment, Tshiebwe may still struggle to maintain his season-long scoring average in the face of stiff competition and intense pressure.

When weighing all these factors, it's reasonable to lean towards the under for Tshiebwe's points against Kansas State. While it's certainly possible for the talented forward to bounce back and put up big numbers, the combination of Kansas State's strong defense, the head-to-head battle with Kevontae Johnson, and the pressure of March Madness make it seem more likely that Tshiebwe's scoring output will be relatively subdued.

Of course, this analysis isn't suggesting that Tshiebwe won't have an impact on the game. As a dynamic player with a high basketball IQ, Tshiebwe will surely find ways to contribute, whether it's through rebounding, defense, or setting up his teammates for success. But for those looking to place a wager on Tshiebwe's individual point total, the under seems like the more data-driven and rational choice.

As the Kentucky Wildcats and Kansas State Wildcats prepare for their second-round NCAA Tournament showdown, keep an eye on Oscar Tshiebwe's performance. While the gifted forward has been a driving force for Kentucky throughout the season, the circumstances surrounding this game suggest that betting the under on his point total may be a savvy move for those looking to make some coin during March Madness.