Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas
The Baylor Bears play host to the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday in a crucial Big 12 showdown. With the conference looking competitive so far, there’s no doubt that this will be a matchup fans will want to tune in for. The Wildcats grabbed a massive win the last time out, while Baylor is coming off a loss. With the Bears having dominated this series over the last few years, there’s no doubt they’ll have confidence, but it remains to be seen if that’ll be enough.
There weren't high expectations for the Wildcats heading into the season but suddenly this team looks like a potential NCAA Tournament team. Earlier this week, they made it look easy against Texas, which certainly turned some heads as to what this group might be capable of this season. They've won seven in a row and with an undefeated record in Big 12 play, this is a crucial game to try to steal a win in. If the Wildcats can find a way to go 2-0 across their Texas road trip, they could find themselves in the AP's Top 25. This is their fourth road game of the season and with a 2-1 record in those, they shouldn't be daunted, especially after how they fared on the road against Texas the last time out.
The wins are more surprising given the absences that the Wildcats have been navigating as well. Three freshmen were redshirted and David N'Guessan (shoulder) is questionable, which could impact their de pth in this one. Especially with a quick turn-around, having a short bench could be problematic.
CATS WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/QE1rClBR4j
— K-State Men's Basketball (@KStateMBB) January 4, 2023
The Wildcats can get it done on both sides of the ball, which has been a solid change for this group. Baylor's defense exposes itself to the Wildcats using their offensive efficiency to their advantage, though rebounding is a concern. Baylor's frontcourt is loaded and with the Wildcats already struggling to generate second-chance points, that is going to be an issue in this one. Keyontae Johnson (18.4 ppg) has been one of the best transfers in the country but this group goes where Markquis Nowell (15.9 ppg, 8.5 apg) takes them. Nowell can make a difference on both sides and his ability to dictate how this one is played, is bound to determine the outcome.