For the 224th time in school history, the Kansas State Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will square off in men's college basketball.
Regular-season meetings between these former conference rivals have been common, but facing each other in an MTE is a rarity — and that's exactly what we get tonight in the Hall of Fame Classic final.
The Wildcats arrived here by thoroughly dismantling Mississippi State, while Nebraska turned back a late New Mexico rally to win by double digits.
I break down the matchup in my Kansas State vs. Nebraska predictions and college basketball picks for Friday, November 21.
Kansas State vs Nebraska prediction
Kansas State vs Nebraska best bet: Under 169.5 (-110)
Much of this handicap has less to do with the matchup and more to do with the circumstances around it. I projected this total at 163.5, so I was drawn to the Under as my best bet.
Both teams are playing their second game in as many days. The Nebraska Cornhuskers just played a high-flying 82-possession game that was competitive throughout, while the Kansas State Wildcats won more comfortably but still played at a quick pace.
That alone would point you toward expecting a lower-scoring follow-up. Going back through BetIQ's database, this is the second-highest total since 1997 for a college basketball game where both teams are on short rest, and the highest ever featuring two power five conference teams.
Layer in the archetypes of these rosters, with their expected perimeter reliance, and the case for fading offense becomes even more enticing.
The shot diet for both sides screams variance, especially on short rest: Nebraska has the fourth-highest three-point rate in the country, and the Cornhuskers also force opponents into taking threes at the 40th-highest rate.
What goes first when a team is tired? Its ability to hit jumpers. I'm keeping it simple: given all of these environmental factors and my model projection, this total is too high.
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Kansas State vs Nebraska same-game parlay
I'm pairing Nebraska to win this one for my best bet for the same-game parlay. Its offense has far more ways to score against the Cats' defense than the other side does.
Kansas State vs Nebraska SGP
- Under 169.5
- Nebraska -1.5
Kansas State vs Nebraska odds
- Spread: Kansas State +1.5 (-110) | Nebraska -1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Kansas State +105 | Nebraska -125
- Over/Under: Over 170.5 (-115) | Under 170.5 (-105)
Kansas State vs Nebraska betting trend to know
Nebraska has covered the Spread in 22 of its last 36 games (+6.60 Units / 17% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Kansas State vs. Nebraska.
How to watch Kansas State vs Nebraska
| Location |
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
|
| Date | Friday, November 21, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Kansas State vs Nebraska key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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