The North Alabama Lions and the Kansas State Wildcats meet Saturday in college basketball action from Bramlage Coliseum. North Alabama is fresh off a Thursday matchup versus Tennessee Tech. In that one the Lions posted a 15-point victory. As for Kansas State, they moved to 5-2 on the season following an overtime win versus Oral Roberts on Tuesday. Let’s get into our North Alabama vs. Kansas State prediction. 

North Alabama Lions 

North Alabama managed a 3-1 start this year with a lone loss to Mississippi State surrounded by wins over Blue Mountain, Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State. The Lions would lose their next pair however, falling to TN-Martin and Western Carolina. In the 81-63 loss to the Catamounts, North Alabama shot just 38.7 percent from the field and got out-rebounded 43-26. 

In Thursday’s game versus Tennessee Tech, North Alabama was down 38-32 by halftime. The Lions stormed back in the second half with 54 points and posted the win 86-71, though. Leading the team was Jacari Lane with 20 points. Damian Forrest added 14 points with 14 rebounds as well. 

Kansas State Wildcats 

Over on the Kansas State side, they’ve got just two blemishes on the schedule this year versus tough teams in USC and Miami. The Wildcats otherwise beat Bellarmine, South Dakota State, Providence and Central Arkansas in their first six games. A nice 50.7 percent from the field and 63 rebounds helped propel the Wildcats over the Bears. 

Kansas State’s matchup versus Oral Roberts wasn’t quite so easy. The Wildcats needed 16 points in overtime to power out an 88-78 win in that one. Leading scorers Tylor Perry (six assists) and Arthur Kaluma (eight rebounds) paced the victory with 20 points apiece. 

NORTH ALABAMA VS KANSAS STATE PREDICTION

I’m probably just staying with Kansas State. The Wildcats didn’t inspire much confidence with their latest performance versus Oral Roberts, though. Kansas State gave up 51.7 percent from the field and 47.6 percent (10-of-21) from 3-point range to the Golden Eagles, however they were saved by a dominant finish on the boards 43-26 (19-5 offensive). The Wildcats are scoring well this year regardless; they’ve hit 69 or more points in every outing so far. Kansas State should be in control Saturday, especially if they can muster another strong rebounding performance.