Kansas State 11-16 (2-12)
The last time Kansas State played at home, the Wildcats got their second Big 12 win on the season against Baylor. It was also the first win for interim head coach Matthew Driscoll since he took over following the firing of Jerome Tang. Earlier this season, K-State played at Texas Christian and had a big lead before falling apart late. The Wildcats should have a bad taste in their mouth leading into Saturday’s matchup.
Throughout this season, senior forward Khamari McGriff has been shooting an efficient 71.5% from the field. While K-State is guard-heavy, the transfer from UNC Wilmington gives the Wildcats an option on the low post. McGriff can struggle on defense, particularly staying out of foul trouble, and with the skilled bigs of TCU, McGriff will need to be good on offense and defense.
Abdi Bashir Jr. should be back for K-State, returning from a stress fracture injury that he suffered five games into Big 12 play. The junior guard is a dynamic three-point shooter and will help spread the floor for guard P.J. Haggerty to attack. Bashir, like McGriff, can struggle on defense, so bringing the intensity on both ends of the floor is important for the Wildcats.
TCU 18-10 (8-7)
TCU has won five of its last six conference games and is headed in the right direction before March. The Horned Frogs are most likely sitting outside the NCAA tournament, but a strong finish to the season and a good showing in the Big 12 tournament will give them a solid case. TCU is a young team and has improved throughout the season, giving them confidence as they head into Bramlage.
Xavier Edmunds has been solid for the Horned Frogs all year, but his best game came against K-State the last time they faced each other. The junior forward had 26 points and 10 rebounds, causing issues for the Wildcats all afternoon. With K-State short-handed and undersized at the forward position, Edmunds is in a good spot to have another big outing against the Wildcats.
Returning sophomore David Punch is having a breakout season for TCU and should be in the running for most improved player and all-conference awards. Punch is a little undersized but is strong and uses his strength well for leverage against defenders. The six-foot-seven-inch forward had 14 points last time out against K-State.
Who to Watch:
KSU: F Khamari McGriff, G Abdi Bashir Jr.
TCU: F Xavier Edmunds, F David Punch
Feb. 28 @ 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2
Prediction: TCU 82-75
K-State:
3 point %: 36.4
Field goal %: 46.0
Blocks per game: 3.6
Fouls per game: 19.4
TCU:
3 point %: 33.4
Field goal %: 44.8
Blocks per game: 4.8
Fouls per game: 16.6