Through the Phog
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Kansas basketball shouldn’t let their guard down in the Sunflower Showdown

By Conner Becker

Feb 2, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard Selton Miguel (2) shoots against Kansas Jayhawks guard Christian Braun (2) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard Selton Miguel (2) shoots against Kansas Jayhawks guard Christian Braun (2) during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking to continue moving in the right direction, Kansas basketball shouldn’t think too lightly of K-State tomorrow in Manhattan.

Kansas basketball is getting back on track as they found themselves at No. 23 on the latest AP Poll on Monday. Their next concern should be stopping any chance of a “slip up” against Kansas State in tomorrow’s Sunflower Showdown.

The Wildcats are holding a fairly young roster this season, with sophomore Mike McGuirl and freshman Nijel Pack carrying a bulk of the scoring load for the team.

These two are young and still developing, but this isn’t to say we shouldn’t expect any surprises tomorrow. The pair averages over 10 points per game and are going to be the main offensive contributors that Kansas will need to hold down.

McGuirl has been a main leader on Kansas State’s offense, and while this season he hasn’t produced much positivity for the Wildcats, he’s capable of finding the energy to make big plays.

These guys are hungry for a win and have nothing to lose. They’ll be trying to get any energy they can to try and knock off Kansas on their home court.

The key for Kansas is to push themselves offensively. Getting shots down will be a must, to help further the momentum in the event our defense falls behind.

This will require defensive talent Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack to step up, limiting Kansas State from turning it into a shootout.

Kansas has been looking and feeling good lately and this should play into their favor tomorrow. While Bramlage Coliseum usually brings a large size crowd, pandemic circumstances will lighten the noise a bit for the Jayhawks.

Head coach Bill Self should know where his priorities are, and not thinking twice about Kansas State would be a mistake. Avoiding an upset should at the top of his list tomorrow night when the Sunflower Showdown tips off at 7:00 pm on ESPN+.

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