The Sunflower Showdown will take place once again, as the #2 ranked Kansas Jayhawks come to Manhattan searching for a regular season sweep of the Kansas State Wildcats. To this point in the season, KU and K-State are going in opposite directions. KU (24-1) is having one of their typical great seasons, only dropping one game thus far. The Jayhawks one and only setback came to the Texas Longhorns in the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse by a score of 74-63. The loss ended the Jayhawks then-NCAA best 69-game homecourt winning streak. On the other end, the Cats’ season to this point has been a disappointment. K-State came into the season ranked #3 in the nation in the pre-season polls and were also the pre-season pick to win the Big 12. With a 16-9 overall record and a 4-6 record in Big 12 Conference play, they are playing well-below expectations.
The Last Time Out…
K-State @ Kansas on January 29, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas
The first time the two teams played, KU dominated from start to finish, winning 90-66 over the Cats. This was KU's 181st victory against the Cats in a rivalry that has been around since 1907. KU had dealt with the death of Thomas Robinson's mother throughout the week leading up to the game, but did not show any signs of fatigue on the court. The Jayhawks stormed out to a 15-2 lead to start the game and never looked back. Markieff Morris scored 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds while Thomas Robinson scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Jacob Pullen, one of the few bright spots in the game, scored 21 points while moving into second on the K-State all time scoring list. Since Big 12 play began, KU is 34-2 overall against K-State. Leading up to the second KU/K-State game this Monday, KU did not have a problem with their most recent opponent.
Kansas 89 Iowa State 66 (Lawrence, KS 2/12/2011)
This past Saturday, KU took care of business by beating Iowa State 89-66 at Allen Fieldhouse. Bill Self’s squad Jayhawks shot an impressive 52% from the floor and at one point, cruised out to a 33-12 lead that they never relinquished. Marcus Morris led the Jayhawks with 16 points and 11 rebounds while Tyshawn Taylor and Markieff Morris chipped in 14 points each. The Jayhawks also dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 43 total rebounds to the Cyclones 31. KU improved to 24-1 overall, 9-1 in the Big 12 while Iowa State fell to 14-11 and 1-9 in the conference. The Jayhawks will be coming into Bramlage Coliseum on a high, having won six in a row by an average margin of 18.3 points per game.
Colorado 58 Kansas State 56 (Boulder, CO 2/12/2011)
K-State sophomore Rodney McGruder connected on a three-pointer as the final 1.1 seconds clicked off to give the Cats what looked like a 59-58 win over Colorado at the Coors Event Center. The officials reviewed the play to determine whether or not the ball had left McGruder’s hand before time expired. After approximately three minutes the officials ended up waving off the basket, allowing Colorado to escape with a 58-56 win. Junior forward Jamar Samuels led the Cats in scoring with 13 while Jacob Pullen contributed 12 points of his own. The Buffaloes were paced by senior guard Cory Higgins, who scored 17 points, while Levi Knutson chipped in 16. K-State fell to 16-9 on the season and 4-6 in the coneference. Colorado improved its overall record to 16-10 and 5-6 in the Big 12. This is the first time Colorado has swept K-State since the 2003-04 season.
Keys to Victory
K-State
Rebounding: If the Cats can get consistent rebounding, they'll be able to stay in the game and have a chance.
Post-play: The Cats' post-play has been very inconsistent all season. With the Morris Twins coming to town, Jamar Samuels, Curtis Kelly, and Jordan Henriquez-Roberts will each have to play at the top of their game and not let the Morris twins own the paint.
Shooting: The Cats need to score, and score efficiently in order to beat KU. The Jayhawks lead the nation with a 52.3 field goal percentage, and average 83.9 points per game. That means the Cats will not be able to afford any shooting droughts like they have had in previous games.
KU
Depth: The Jayhawks' bench needs to show up and play well to take care of the Cats. Travis Relaford, Mario Little, Elijah Johnson, and Jeff Withey all need to play well, especially with Josh Selby and Thomas Robinson not available due to injuries.
Perimeter shooting: Brady Morningstar and Tyrel Reed are big-time three-point threats for the Jayhawks and if they can get going, it will probably be a repeat of the other game this season in Lawrence.
The Morris twins: Marcus and Markieff Morris need to rebound and score when they have opportunities so they can wear down the thin K-State front-court and open up opportunities for KU's outside shooters.
Prediction: KU wins, 75-58.
-Paul Payton, Wildcat 91.9 Sports Staff
No comments:
Post a Comment