After snapping Kansas’ 14-year run atop the Big 12 during the regular season, Kansas State will look to double down and continue their push towards a tournament title by topping a dangerous Iowa State squad.
The Big 12 is arguably the strongest conference in America from top to bottom, so any title claimed in it is worth a lot. Kansas State already has one crown under its belt after sharing the Big 12’s regular season championship with Texas Tech, and they are just two wins away from adding the tournament title for good measure.
The Wildcats started their quest for a crown in slow fashion, rallying to beat a desperate TCU squad 70-61 to advance. Forward Xavier Sneed led Kansas State in scoring with 19 points, which was a big help since the Wildcats had to play without key big man Dean Wade.
Wade is not expected to play in the Big 12 Tournament due to a lingering foot injury, and that could make it tough for the Wildcats to beat Iowa State. The Cyclones have been inconsistent this season, but they are an extremely dangerous team offensively and have the firepower to beat anybody in the country.
Iowa State cruised through its quarterfinal matchup, blowing out Baylor 83-66 to earn their shot at the Wildcats. Freshman guard Talen Horton-Tucker led the Cyclones in scoring in that game, knocking down five shots from beyond the arc as part of his team-high 21 points.
These two teams split their meetings during the regular season, with each winning on the other teams’ home court. It is fitting that the third meeting comes at a neutral site, allowing the winner to claim true victory in the season series.
How to watch Kansas State vs. Iowa State
- Date: Friday, March 15
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Kansas City, MO
- Venue: Sprint Center
- TV: ESPN2
- Live Stream: WatchESPN