The 2010-11 Kansas State Wildcats (13-6, 1-3) have been the complete opposite of what they were a season before. The Wildcats are off to a rough start, dropping three of four conference games after being unanimously selected by the Big 12 coaches to win the conference. This is the worst four-game stretch to open conference play since 2008-09, the same season the Wildcats advanced to play in the NIT Tournament–the same tournament senior guard Jacob Pullen exclaimed he would not play in if the Wildcats were to miss the big dance this season.
The Wildcats’ most recent struggles are due largely to their lack of ball security on offense. Kansas State has turned the ball over an average of 18.2 times per game during conference play thus far. That is certainly hurting them heading into another formidable Big 12 foe in the tenth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies (16-2, 3-1), who have the best turnover margin in the Big 12 at 4.3 per game.
After entering the season unranked, the Aggies have raced their way up in the AP poll. Texas A&M is one of the better defensive teams in the conference, allowing just 62.7 points per game this year during conference play. The Aggies also distribute the ball very well, ageraging 16.3 assists per game which ranks as best in the Big 12.
The Wildcats will certainly have their hands full against a strong A&M squad that hasn’t lost at home all year.
In the past two seasons, the Wildcats have handled business against the Aggies both at home and on the road. While the Wildcats lost junior Freddy Asprilla, who left the team to pursue a professional career in his home country, it has allowed sophomore Jordan Henriquez-Roberts the opportunity to step up.
Against Mizzou, Henriquez-Roberts finished with a career-high 14 points, grabbed six boards, blocked two shots and nailed 4-of-5 (80%) from the line off the bench.
The 7-footer will definitely be a match-up problem in the post for the Aggies, along with frontcourt mates Jamar Samuels and Curtis Kelly.
Freshman Shane Southwell has been key for the Wildcats of late. His solid contributions from the wing in the past few games have been overlooked, as well as his improvement on the defensive end.
Southwell has blocked two shots per game since joining the starting lineup, and grabs 4.5 rebounds, while dishing 3.5 assists per game.
Senior Pullen has found a groove since being suspended by the NCAA, averaging 20.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.
Keys to a Wildcat Victory
Take care of the ball
The Wildcats turned the ball over 23 times against Missouri and 22 times against Oklahoma State. The Wildcats also turned the ball over 11 times in the first half against Colorado at home. All three games, the Wildcats fell.
Kelly and Will Spradling both had six turnovers apiece which killed the team’s chances of coming back to defeat Mizzou.
Kansas State has to take care of the ball against the swarming defense of Texas A&M. In every game that was close, including the loss that A&M suffered, turnovers weren’t a problem for the opposing team.
Turnovers
Texas A&M has had a problem of allowing teams to score easy baskets off turnovers.
The best way to beat a team is utilize what they do best. A&M feeds off turnovers and silly shots. In their loss to Boston College, the Eagles turned 14 Aggie turnovers into 25 points.
The Wildcats have been at their best playing in transition. If Kansas State can turn the Aggie turnovers into points, the Wildcats should be in position to pick up a great resume win.
Second Chances
The Wildcats are the best offensive rebounding team in the Big 12, pulling down 13.7 per game. Nothing hurts a team more than second-chance points. The Wildcats have an advantage in the frontcourt, and on the glass and should be able to get the job done with a consistent dose of Samuels and Kelly in the paint.
Come out physical and aggressive
One thing the Wildcats did against Texas Tech was come out aggressive and strong. The failed to do that in all other Big 12 games with the exception of Colorado.
The Wildcats have the ability to get the ball inside and get Kelly and Samuels going early. Also, Henriquez-Roberts, and possibly Wally Judge could all get into the action.
The Aggies allow teams to shoot 43 percent from the field, and 36 percent from three. If the Wildcats can get remotely close to that percentage, Kansas State could end its skid and pick up a marquee Big 12 win.
