No. 12 K-State 24-4 (12-3)
Kansas State comes off a difficult defeat to West Virginia on the road — a game in which the Wildcats had 21 turnovers. K-State has played well off losses this season and must again on Saturday. In their earlier matchup in Lawrence, the ‘Cats won by 27 points and knocked down 15 threes.
Guard Taryn Sides, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Week, had major shooting performances against Cincinnati (17 points) and UCF (21 points). Sides, a sophomore, hit four threes at KU. The sharpshooter spaces the floor for K-State as a deep threat and is a very underrated passer.
Center Ayoka Lee is expected to return for the Wildcats in her final Sunflower Showdown. When Lee is healthy she is a force on the inside, both on offense and defense. Having Lee back will help K-State get its identity back.
Kansas 15-11 (5-10)
Kansas has faltered in Big 12 play, losing four of its last five games. The Jayhawks could still beat anyone with their talent, led by guard S’Mya Nichols. Lately Kansas has also received good production from role players.
Guard Brittany Harshaw scored 26 points against Iowa State last Saturday. Harshaw started in the contest after primarily coming off the bench this season. Last time against the Wildcats, Harshaw had just three points, but now gains a bigger role.
Guard Sania Copeland is shooting 33% from three this season. Last time against the Wildcats, Copeland went 3-3 from 3-point land. With K-State’s ability to knock down a lot of triples, Copeland may have to answer with an efficient shooting night to keep pace with the Wildcats.
Who to Watch:
K-State: PG Taryn Sides, C Ayoka Lee
Kansas: G Brittany Harshaw, G Sania Copeland
Stats: K-State
3-point percent: 39.6%
Blocks: 154
Turnovers per game: 12.4
Stats: Kansas
3-point percent: 35.2%
Blocks: 66
Turnovers per game: 14.5
