K-State 14-13 (7-7)
Kansas State has improved over the course of the season and has become a very competitive Big 12 squad with the youth on its roster. The Wildcats most likely sit out of the NCAA tournament at this point, but winning out and earning a couple of victories at the Big 12 tournament could give them a solid case. A win over their rival Kansas could be just what K-State needs to carry some momentum into the rest of their season.
Last time out against Kansas, Taryn Sides scored 26 points on 9-13 shooting and 5-8 from three-point range. Sides, a native of Phillipsburg, Kansas, grew up around the Sunflower Showdown and will be looking to make her mark on the matchup once again.
Brandie Harrod is the best defender for the Wildcats and can guard multiple positions depending on what lineup K-State has on the floor. While she is still developing her jump shot, the four-star freshman is athletic and can finish around the rim. Harrod had a rough game last Sunday against Iowa State, so bouncing back will be key for her.
Kansas 16-11 (6-9)
Kansas returns a lot of its production from last year’s team, but hasn’t had the year they expected so far. The Jayhawks have won three of their last four in conference play, however, and will be looking to continue that success. Kansas will have to face a big Bramlage crowd and a K-State team looking to get back at them for their earlier defeat.
The Jayhawks are led by a two-headed monster of S’Mya Nichols and Jailya Daivs. Davis, who is averaging 21.2 points per game, had 22 points against K-State last time and did a lot of damage at the free-throw line. K-State has a tendency to foul a lot, so getting to the line again is something Davis may try.
Nichols has been the best player for Kansas over the past few seasons and is having another good year, averaging 18 points per game. Last time against K-State, the junior guard was nursing an ankle injury that now seems to have healed completely, as she is back to playing her normal minutes. Nichols is a threat from deep, so the Wildcats will run her off the line and avoid giving her any good looks.
Who to Watch:
KSU: G Taryn Sides, F Brandie Harrod
Kansas: F Jailya Davis, G S’Mya Nichols
Feb. 21 @ 4 p.m. on ESPN+
Prediction: K-State 68-64
K-State:
3 point %: 34.4
Freshman combined points per game: 28.8
Fouls per game: 18.5
Steals per game: 9.4
Kansas:
3 point %: 35.7
Freshman combined points per game: 33.0 ppg
Fouls per game: 18.0
Steals per game: 6.8
