Kansas State 12-18 (3-14)

Kansas State men’s basketball is playing for pride at this point of the season, but it will have plenty to play for against its in-state rival, the Kansas Jayhawks. When these teams met up in January, KU pulled away late in a 24-point win that ended with some Jayhawk players imitating the Wabash Cannonball on the court. While the Wildcats haven’t had the season they had hoped for, they will look to go out strong against their in-state rival.

The first time these teams played this year, Andrej Kostic hit four three-pointers and scored his season high of 12 points. K-State will need role players to step up big time if they are going to be competitive on the court, and Kostic can do that offensively for the Wildcats. The freshman from Serbia was seen as a potential NBA prospect before the season, and will have the chance to show his potential on Saturday. 

If K-State is going to win, they will also need a heroic effort from P.J. Haggerty. While key players are going to have to step up, the All-American has to propel his team to victory. Haggerty is the current college basketball leader in career points scored and will have to add a big number to that total for the Wildcats to have any success. 

Kansas 21-9 (11-6)

As if things weren’t going to be tough enough for K-State, they play Kansas on senior day, a day on which the Jayhawks haven’t lost in 44 years. Kansas still has plenty to play for as they look to get the double bye for the Big 12 tournament and improve its seeding to be at the No. 2 spot for the NCAA tournament. While it was unlikely the Jayhawks would overlook their rival, the Wildcats can expect to see the best version of Kansas. 

The last time these teams played, Darryn Peterson was unable to play due to injury. The projected top NBA pick has battled injuries all season, but when healthy, has looked like the best player in college basketball. However, K-State likes to play up-tempo, and with Peterson having cramping issues, the fast pace could be an issue for him that the Wildcats could look to exploit. 

Flory Bidunga has been the most improved player in the Big 12 this season and has also cemented himself as a defensive anchor for the Jayhawks. Last time against the ‘Cats, the Congolese forward had 23 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocks. Bidunga can guard all positions and is quick laterally, making him tough to score on. Pulling him away from the basket to get something around the rim will be a must for the Wildcats. 

Who to Watch:

KSU: W Andrej Kostic, G P.J. Haggerty

KU: G Darryn Peterson, F Flory Bidunga

March 7 @ 1:00 p.m. on CBS

Prediction: KU 82-64 

K-State:

3 point %: 35.8

Assists per game: 17.1

Blocks per game: 3.6

Fastbreak points per game: 14.57

KU:

3 point %: 35.5

Assists per game: 14.4

Blocks per game: 6.0

Fastbreak points per game: 10.17