Kansas basketball: Kansas State preview, how to watch
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team is set to host the opening round of the Sunflower Showdown. He is what you need to know before the Jayhawks take on Kansas State.
Kansas basketball fans always look forward to the Sunflower Showdown. It’s time to get even for what happens during the football version of the matchup. The Jayhawks survived the opening game of the series at Allen Fieldhouse last season. We don’t need another nail-biter this year.
The ‘Cats are playing without starting point guard Kamau Stokes. He injured a foot in the Texas Tech game. The stress of having him out made the ‘Cats look tired in their Wednesday night win over Oklahoma State. Despite the fatigue, junior guard Barry Brown scored 38 points in the 86-80 victory.
Newcomer Cartier Diarra is filling in for Stokes and chipped in with 17 against the Pokes. Xavier Sneed is also averaging double digits in scoring for Bruce Weber. He led the ‘Cats with 12 rebounds Wednesday.
In my opinion, Dean Wade is Mr. inconsistent for KSU. Imagine what he could have been in Crimson and Blue. On Wednesday, the 6-foot-10 junior scored 10 points and settled for 4 rebounds. As a matter of fact, he usually brings his best to Allen Fieldhouse.. He scored 20 against the Jayhawks in Lawrence last season.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the ‘Cats Saturday
Date: January 13
Time: 11 a.m. CST
Location: Lawrence
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse
Television: ESPN
Streaming: WatchESPN
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
Keys to Victory
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The Jayhawks ignored Udoka Azubuike for most of the first half against Iowa State. I think that was a mistake. They need to get the ball inside against the ‘Cats early and often. Dok will have no problem with KSU’s 6-foo-9 Makol Mawien.
Bill Self’s guys may be the best 3-point shooting team in the conference but let’s play this one smart. Play some good defense, crash the defensive glass and get a lead. If the Jayhawks can put this one away early, they can give the starters some rest before the trip to Morgantown.