K-State 13-11 (7-6)
Coming off back-to-back emotional wins at home against Kansas and Arizona, the Wildcats have won six consecutive games and now return to the road, where they have recently improved. Still, BYU’s environment is one of the toughest in the Big 12 and will provide a challenge for the ‘Cats.
Guard Dug McDaniel has been the leader for Kansas State’s winning streak with his scoring, playmaking and even his defense. McDaniel stands at 5-foot-11, but is ultra quick in the open court. McDaniel had a 24-point scoring outburst against Arizona and was unstoppable getting downhill.
Forward Mobi Ikegwuruka was a pleasant surprise for K-State in Big 12 play. Ikegwuruka plays with a lot of effort and can guard all positions, which allows him to play valuable minutes and provide depth. His effort has made him a fan favorite, and it is well deserved.
BYU 16-8 (7-6)
BYU comes off a big win on the road at West Virginia. Like most BYU teams, they shoot the 3-ball a lot and are difficult to beat when it falls. BYU has one of the loudest and best home environments in the Big 12, making it very difficult to go there and win, which K-State learned in football this year.
Freshman guard Egor Demin leads BYU and is a projected lottery pick in the NBA draft this summer. Demin is 6-foot-9, but is listed as a guard because of his ability to handle the ball and shoot. Demin is a massive matchup problem for anyone because of his size and quickness.
The leading scorer for BYU is forward Richie Saunders, a sixth man last year on BYU’s tournament team. He’s taken a step forward this year, averaging nearly 15 points per game. Saunders is a sharpshooter from the outside shooting 43% from three.
Who to Watch:
K-State: PG Dug McDaniel, F Mobi Ikegwuruka
BYU: G Egor Demin, F Richie Saunders
Stats: K-State
3-point percent: 34.6% (6th in Big 12)
Rebounds per game: 33.8 (14th in Big 12)
Steals per game: 7.8 (7th in Big 12)
Stats: BYU
3-point percent: 36.9% (4th in Big 12)
Rebounds per game: 37.2 (5th in Big 12)
Steals per game: 7 (12th in Big 12)
