K-State (6-2)

Kansas State is coming off its best offense showing of the year in a blowout 120-73 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While it was against an inferior opponent, K-State shot well and will need to do so again to defeat St. John’s.

Guard Dug McDaniel, despite coming off the bench, has been consistent in his play by creating shots for others and hitting shots of his own. McDaniel averages 11 points per game with his team-best six assists per game. His play against the good Red Storm guards will be key.

Wing Coleman Hawkins, who is off to a slow start scoring this year, contributes in other ways to help the team. With St. John’s being potentially the best team the Wildcats have faced and being on the road, Hawkins may be asked to score the ball more in addition to veteran leadership to remain poised.

St. John’s (6-2)

St. John’s, a ranked team to begin the year, welcomes K-State for the Big 12/Big East Challenge. St. John’s has two losses, one to No. 15 Baylor on a game-winning shot in overtime and another close three-point loss to Georgia. St. John’s is loaded with good guard play on offense and defense. 

Junior guard RJ Lewis Jr. is St. John’s leading scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game, and displays his two-way ability with 1.6 steals per game. Lewis is a 6-foot-7-inch guard, which causes mismatch problems, especially for the small guards at K-State. 

Senior guard Kadary Richmond was the top transfer portal prospect according to 247Sports, but much like Hawkins for K-State, Richmond is off to a slow start with his new team. The talented Richmond is still dangerous if he gets hot on Saturday. 

Who to Watch:

K-State: PG Dug McDaniel, F Coleman Hawkins

St. John’s: G RJ Lewis Jr., Kadary Richmond

Dec. 7 @ 10:30 a.m. on FOX

Prediction: St. John’s 75-64

Stats: K-State

Opp. ppg: 67

3-point percent: 38.2%

Steals: 72

Turnovers: 103

Stats: St. John’s 

Opp. ppg: 66.6

3-point percent: 33.7%

Steals: 72

Turnovers: 104