In a year which the Kansas State Wildcats desperately needed a positive story, they shocked the nation with a sound defeat of the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, and in the process bolstered its NCAA tournament resume. With player turnover and suspensions during the season, and talk of an NIT bid surfacing, the Wildcats proved that this team is capable of providing what everyone has been waiting to see all year. The win proved what is possible when the Wildcats play as a team and stick to the game plan. This was, by far, the best that the Wildcats have played this year.

K-State executed their game plan, which consisted of a swarming zone defense and an offense that created open shots. Jacob Pullen provided much of the scoring, however big contributions were made by Jordan Henriquez-Roberts and Rodney McGruder. The Wildcats showed patience in running their offense, not settling for contested shots and 3-pointers. But by using the shot clock and running their half-court offense; extra passes were made, people got open, and shots dropped. Good foul shooting made a huge difference in the game, however it is still a concern moving forward, and is a major weakness in this team. It is very tough to put away an opponent at the end of the game if you cannot convert on the foul line.

The Wildcats never allowed the Jayhawks to get into rhythm offensively. The Cats were faster on defense and contested everything KU had to offer. The Wildcats didn’t get into foul trouble early on defense, and through the rest of the game. Fouling is often a symptom of not being in position on defense. The defense was in position for most of the game and was beating the KU players to the spot. This forced the Jayhawks to take difficult shots which lead to turnovers. The defense took the Morris twins out of the game, out-rebounded the Jayhawks, and left very few open shots.

What does this win mean for the Wildcats’ chances of a NCAA tournament bid and avoiding the clutches of the NIT? Up to this point there has been little to differentiate bubble teams. K-State took a major step to separate from the pack with a much needed “signature win” against KU. There won’t be a lot of bubble teams that can claim a win against a #1. Yes, there are teams with fewer losses; however K-State possesses a very high strength of schedule with a strong non-conference schedule (including then No. 1 Duke) to go along with a stacked Big XII schedule.

Speaking of that Big XII schedule, the key statistic that the NCAA selection committee will be looking at is at least a .500 record in conference play. This means finishing the year avoiding those “bad” losses, such as the two against Colorado and Oklahoma State. That being said, let’s look ahead at the remainder of the Wildcats’ schedule.

The Cats will need to survive a hangover from the KU win this Saturday at home against Oklahoma. The following road game at Nebraska should be a major test. Both games are must wins. Ranked opponents follow with a home game against No. 21 Missouri. Missouri has yet to win a road game in Big XII play this year, and a win would greatly improve the Wildcats’ post-season resume.

A trip to Austin against possibly top-ranked Texas Longhorns follows. The Wildcats can survive a loss against Texas. They are in many people’s views, the best team in the country right now. A win would undoubtedly punch the Wildcats ticket to Big Dance, giving the Wildcats two wins against No. 1 ranked opponents.

The season concludes at home against Iowa State. K-State fans have hopes the Wildcats don’t finish the season at home like they did last year, with a “bad” loss in Bramlage Coliseum. Losses against Oklahoma, Nebraska, or Iowa State will probably qualify as “bad” losses.

Though having a great tournament resume filled with wins and strong opponents are important, the quality of play down the stretch makes all the difference. The Wildcats have to prove to the selection committee that the win against KU was not a fluke, and they are now the caliber of team that easily deserves an at-large big in the NCAA tournament. If the Wildcats win at least 3 out of the last 5 games, it would put the Wildcats at .500 in the conference. This, along with a couple wins in the Big XII Tournament should lock in the Wildcats in the field of 68.