Despite making the NCAA Tournament and their first Elite Eight in decades last season, the Kansas State Wildcats (14-7, 2-4) were defeated by the Kansas Jayhawks (19-1, 4-1) three times. After being picked to win the Big 12 Conference this season, many thought the Wildcats could end any new streaks brewing by the Jayhawks.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats have been less-than-stellar thus far this season and already bear seven losses (four in the Big 12) to their fourteen wins. Kansas hasn’t been particularly impressive either, struggling at home against UCLA and USC and on the road against Michigan, Colorado, and Iowa State. The key difference, of course, is that the Jayhawks have found ways to win even when they have struggled. Kansas State has not.
K-State has struggled mightily in Lawrence in recent history, losing by double-digits more often than not. That being said, this Wildcat team actually matches up fairly well against the Jayhawks. For that reason, it should be a very good game.
Senior guard Jacob Pullen has averaged 20.1 points per game since being suspended by the NCAA. Pullen is just six points away from becoming the third-leading scorer in school history. Additionally, Pullen is tied for first in steals all-time at Kansas State with 190.
Against Baylor, Pullen facilitated the offense much more than in previous games with Will Spradling accompanying him as the off-guard. Pullen did a great job defensively on star LaceDarius Dunn. Locking down KU’s own freshman star Josh Selby in similar fashion will be important for any success the Wildcats hope to have against the Jayhawks.
Curtis Kelly has been a crucial part in returning Kansas State to the win column. In three of the games that the Wildcats were suppose to win, Kelly was sidelined due to his NCAA-mandated six-game suspension. Since coming back from suspension, Kelly has seen in an increase in his numbers. He is averaging 11 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Kelly will be a key asset in the frontcourt, along with Jamar Samuels. After being a reserve for most of his career, Samuels has found a role in the starting lineup and hasn’t disappointed. Kelly’s and Samuels’ defensive intensity against a tough Baylor frontcourt should translate well against a similar KU frontcourt that features Marcus and Markieff Morris.
In Kansas’ only loss of the season, the Jayhawks were out-rebounded, shot just 11-of-18 (61%) from the free-throw line, and were held to 35 percent shooting from the field.
The Wildcats have all the intangibles to produce a huge win in Lawrence, but they will have to be at their best to pull off an upset. The game is set to tip off at 6 PM Central on ESPN. If the K-State is able to put all of the pieces together to come out on top against KU, their tournament resume would be enhanced greatly.
