Location: Bramlage Coliseum. Manhattan, KS.
Date: February, 16th.
Time: 4 PM EST. ESPN2.
Background Information:
Ever since Dean Wade has returned from injury, Kansas State has been on fire and haven’t lost a conference game since January, 5th. The Wildcats had a very head-scratching against Texas A&M in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. But outside of that they have had road wins over Iowa State and Oklahoma.
They’ve also won big home games against #14 Texas Tech and #13 Kansas. They’ve been doing it with defense as they’ve only given up more than 70 just once and that was against Markus Howard-led Marquette way back in December when they fell to the Golden Eagles, 83-71. The Wildcats did get hit with a loss. Not in the games column, but with the team as Sophomore G Cartier Diarra will be out for the rest of the regular season with a hand injury. Diarra averages just 6.3 PPG on the season, but has been turning it on as of late. Diarra has been in double figures in each of K-State’s last 4 games and shot 50% or better in 3 of those 4 contests.
For the Cyclones, they are still in the hunt for a Big 12 championship and this is a huge game for them to be in serious contention. The Cyclones are currently 7-4 and record wise, are in a 3 way tie for 3rd place with Baylor and Texas Tech (Holds the tiebreaker against Texas Tech, lost their first meeting with Baylor).
Virginia Transfer, Marial Shayok has been a absolute revelation for the Cyclones and has become the best player on the team. Shayok is averaging nearly 20 PPG on the season and 5 Rebounds per contest. Shayok had 24 points in a surprising home loss to the TCU Horned Frogs and put up 26 Points in their second matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks. Shayok has been effective with his shooting as he’s shot over 40% from the field in every game except for two and eclipsed 60 in quite a handful of games. Lindell Wigginton has been a very athletic guard through his first 3 years and could be a problem in this game for the Wildcats.
Keys to a win for Kansas State:
Iowa State doesn’t foul a lot and are in the top 10 nationally in fewest fouls by teams that have played 20 or more games. With the crowd in their favor, playing aggressive and getting to the basket just might be the move in order to create foul opportunities and getting to the free throw line. Both of those will be essential for their chances to walk out with their 10 conference win in a row after starting the conference 0-2. Miraculous run by the Wildcats.
Keys to a win for Iowa State:
The obvious one would be to not let the crowd and noise get to their head. But turning the ball over too much can turn to disaster on the road. Iowa State is really good at keeping ball and only coughs it up 11 times a game. Neither teams are overwhelmingly good rebounding teams, so winning the battle on the glass will be important for Iowa State’s chances of walking out with a win. There’s not very many teams that lose the rebounding battle and turnover battle and still walk out with a win, so it’ll be important.
Final Verdict:
This is a big game for both teams for placing in the conference. Even with the road environment, I see Iowa State making this a ballgame. But in the end, Kansas State keeps their under 70 streak going and hand the Cyclones back to back losses. Kansas State 71, Iowa State 63.
Image Credit: https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2017/12/16/mens-basketball-sneeds-career-high-leads-k-state-past-se-missouri-state-89-71.aspx
