Wake Forest vs. Kansas State: Staff Predictions

Adam: Wake Forest wins 80-72

I'm going with a bold prediction: if the Deacs can avoid giving up 62 or more points in either half, they will probably have a great chance to win the game. The NCAA Tournament is a great chance for Collins to boost his NBA draft stock, and he carries the Deacs to a win in this one, 80-72. (And then promptly decides to stay for another year).

Grumpy: Kansas State wins 80-78

Someone has to be the pessimist and it'll be me. Not that I don't think we can win; I think we have a great shot. My main concern is that if our perimeter guys get cold at a bad time, JC may struggle to carry the load single-handedly while getting mobbed continually (with and without the ball) as the refs turn a blind eye all game. Not that I've seen anything like that the past few games or anything.

Elijah: Wake Forest wins 85-76

Wake Forest has a great offense and lackluster defense. With that being said, WF will have to lean on their offensive prowess to emerge victorious. The John Collins attack must be commence from the tip in order for Wake to have a chance to run K-State out of the gym in Dayton. Wake outguns, outruns, and outshoots the Wildcats.

Ned: Wake Forest wins 84-78

Kansas State thrives off its defense and Wake thrives off its offense. I like the team that has the Top 5 offensive player in the country on it when that matchup collides. Although Kansas State forces a number of turnovers early, Wake settles down and relies on its 3 point shooting to give itself the edge in the 2nd half. The Deacs advance to the Field of 64 where they belong and start prepping for a short week against the Bearcats.

Riley: Wake Forest wins 81-73

Despite Kansas State being ranked one spot ahead of us in KenPom, I actually feel comfortable about this game given the respective strengths and weaknesses of each team. Wake Forest has proven throughout the year that they can score on anybody, and I'm not sure Kansas State has the horses to stay with the Deacs. If they collapse down low on JC then he can kick it out for open looks. I think we are clicking from the opening tip and show that we belong on the big stage.

Rob: Wake Forest wins 78-73

I have watched Kansas State play, and I like this matchup for Wake. Kansas State may be ranked slightly higher on Ken Pom, but they aren’t a gifted offensive team. They don’t run pick-and-roll, and that is the offense that typically gives Wake Forest fits. They also have horrific three point percentage defense, and that bodes well for Austin Arians. Give me the Deacs to win this game and move on to play Cincinnati in Sacramento.

Those are our thoughts on the game. What do you all think will happen?