The Kansas State Wildcats (9-2) are coming off an ugly loss to the Florida Gators where Frank Martin’s bunch shot a mere 27 percent from the field and watched a 23-20 halftime lead turn into a 57-44 upset loss. The lone bright spot in the loss to Florida was Jacob Pullen’s moving to fourth on the all-time K-State scoring list with 1,688 career points.

Despite scoring a season low 44 points–the fewest the Wildcats have scored in any game under Frank Martin–Kansas State has a chance to bounce back from an ugly defeat against the UNLV Rebels (10-2), who have dropped two of their last three.

UNLV’s Chace Stanback could pose a problem for the young Wildcats as his 6’8” frame is something the Wildcats aren’t used to seeing on the wing. Senior guard Tre’Von Willis has been solid out of the backcourt for the Rebels, averaging just over 10 points per game. Needless to say, Willis should draw a lot of attention from Pullen.

The Wildcats are looking to avoid their first multiple-game losing streak since Iowa State handed them a second-straight loss last year heading into the Big 12 Tournament.

Pullen has been playing great lately and is starting to meet All-American expectations, but he is in need of help on the offensive end.

Jamar Samuels and Freddy Asprilla showed just how important they were against Florida after both faced foul trouble in crucial situations down the stretch.

For the Wildcats to bounce back against a good UNLV team, they have to make things easier on themselves on the offensive end.

K-State shot 11-of-19 (57%) from the free-throw line and no player scored in double figures other than Pullen, who finished with 19.

The Wildcats also need to stay out of foul trouble, which would allow Pullen to get Curtis Kelly, Samuels and Asprilla touches on the interior.

As for defense, coach Martin’s bunch is fiestier than ever. Last year during the first 11 games, the Wildcats surrendered 67.9 points per game and allowed six teams to go over 70.

This season, the Wildcats are holding the opposition to 60.8 points with just one 70-plus scorer, which was No. 1 Duke.

Many signs are pointing towards a Wildcat victory, but nothing is a given. The Wildcats have to overwhelm the Rebels with their star power and create easy offense, as well as containing them on the defensive end.

It will not be an easy task but it is definitely attainable as K-State looks to turn things around against UNLV.