Before the season, the Kansas State Wildcats (12-3) were selected the preseason favorites to win the Big 12 Conference, receiving 10 first place votes for the first time in school history. Kansas State has a chance to make progress towards it’s first conference championship in decades against the Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-2).
The Cowboys have been slightly impressive this season with two win streaks that surpass four games or more. Oklahoma State also has wins over formidable competition such as DePaul, Alabama, and Stanford.
Not to mention, the Cowboys have been flawless in front of their home fans winning nine home games during non-conference play
Despite the impressive number of wins posted by the Cowboys there two losses came at the hands of Virginia Tech and Gonzaga, two opponents the Wildcats were able to manhandle.
The Wildcats are coming off a game against Savannah State where Jacob Pullen made his return and led Kansas State to victory with 24 points and five assist.
Former McDonald’s All-American Wally Judge has found his identity on both ends of the floor the past three games notching two double-doubles, while averaging 16.8 points, and 11.3 rebounds.
Judge will need all of his intensity going against one of the best frontier players in the nation in Marshall Moses who notches 17.1 points, and 8.1 points per game.
Pullen, is slowly, moving in on other Kansas State milestones as he improved his scoring average to 17.2 points, while adding 3.9 assist per game.
Without Pullen, the Wildcats picked up their third loss on the season to the hands of the UNLV Rebels. With him, the Wildcats are still one of the best young teams in the nation.
The Wildcats advantage comes on the glass as Kansas State is the fifth ranked rebounding team in the nation pulling down 42.5 rebounds per game.
On paper, the Wildcats shouldn’t have a problem with the Cowboys. However, the Wildcats have to play as a team and rebound the basketball to pull away on the road.
The Wildcats haven’t lost a true road game all season, and the streak shouldn’t break against a struggling Oklahoma State squad.
