Coming off a 15-point victory over a feisty James Madison squad in their season opener, Kansas State will face an even bigger challenge today against Virginia Tech. Against James Madison, senior guard Jacob Pullen had 20 points in 24-minutes of action, while Nick Russell followed with 19 points.  The Wildcats will play with the same lineup against the No. 23 Virginia Tech Hokies since first-team Big 12 selection Curtis Kelly will not be suiting up. “He probably won’t go on Tuesday,” said Frank Martin. “I’m not happy with the way he’s been the last two weeks.”

Much like the Wildcats, the Hokies are coming off an unexpectedly sloppy season-opening win, defeating Campbell by a score of 70-60. Four starters scored in double-figures for Virginia Tech with senior guard Malcolm Delaney scoring 20 points and converting on all 11 free-throw attempts.

However, Virginia Tech will be without two talented players in the front-court. Alen Chaney and J.T. Thompson are both out with season-ending injuries.

Without Kelly in the lineup for the Wildcats, Kansas State will have to rely on their forwards to pick up the slack. In their previous game against JMU, the Wildcat forwards combined for just ten points. Additionally, the Wildcats were only able to out-rebounded an undersized James Madison team by one. The Kansas State front-court has to be the X-factor this game. The Hokies do not possess as much size or depth in the front-court as the Wildcats, but Wildcat forwards will certainly have to play better than they did against JMU.

The Hokies out-rebounded Campbell easily, 37-21, with 14 coming from Jeff Allen. If the Wildcats can get Allen in early foul trouble, Virginia Tech might be in trouble.

Nonetheless, the key match-up of the game will pit Jacob Pullen against Malcolm Delaney. Delaney is a very talented guard that was selected as a possible ACC Player of the Year recipient. Pullen, an AP Preseason All-American, All-Big 12 First Team, and National Player of the Year candidate will have the chance to play against one of the top guards in the nation.

Whichever player wins the match-up, Pullen or Delaney, should ultimately put their team in a good position to win. The game is set to take place during ESPN’s 24 hours of College Basketball coverage, and will tip off at 3pm.