No. 14 K-State 25-5 (13-4)
Kansas State’s loss to Baylor ended hopes of its regular season Big 12 title, but with a strong season finish, the ‘Cats can still be a top-four NCAA Tournament seed and host the opening round for a second consecutive season.
In the loss, Baylor center Aaronette Vonleh dominated the ‘Cats inside, scoring a personal season high of 24 points. Things don’t get any easier this week as Iowa State’s All-American candidate Audi Crooks awaits.
Forward Kennedy Taylor was great stepping in for the injured Ayoka Lee, who K-State announced will undergo a minor procedure and miss the rest of Big 12 play, including the tournament, but will return before the NCAA Tournament.
Taylor, in her bigger role, scored double figures in the past two games. However, Crooks will be her toughest defensive assignment yet.
Guard Jaelyn Glenn has been consistent all year for the ‘Cats, averaging nearly 10 points per game while shooting 44% from three. Glenn has great length, which will be helpful against Iowa State guards. Her shooting ability also gives the ‘Cats another option to stretch the floor.
Iowa State 20-10 (11-6)
Iowa State was on a tear lately, winning five of their last six games. The Cyclones took the Wildcats to overtime in Bramlage before falling in their first matchup at Bramlage. On Sunday, the Cyclones will get their chance at revenge without battling Lee.
Guard Addy Brown has been great for the Cyclones in her sophomore season. The Derby native scored 20 points against the Wildcats in the last game. The 6-foot-2 guard averages nearly 15 points per game.
Center Crooks continues to show her dominance in her second season at Iowa State. She has increased her scoring average to 22 this season, leading the Big 12. Her matchup with the Wildcats’ centers should favor her all night, so expect the Wildcats to double her when she catches it in the post.
Who to Watch:
K-State: F Kennedy Taylor, G Jaelyn Glenn
Iowa State: G Addy Brown, C Audi Crooks
Stats: K-State
Field goal percentage: 49.3% (1st Big 12)
Assists per game: 21.8 (1st Big 12)
Blocks per game: 5.5 (2nd Big 12)
Stats: Iowa State
Field goal percentage: 46.8% (4th Big 12)
Assists per game: 19.4 (3rd Big 12)
Blocks per game: 3.1 (11th Big 12)
