Kansas State Must Win at Home Against Cowboys

Kansas State basketball picked up a huge road win on Saturday to end a 3-game losing streak. The Wildcats need the same kind of energy against Oklahoma State on Wednesday.

In this roller coaster of a college basketball season, Kansas State needs to take advantage of playing at home when they face the Cowboys. Last week’s home loss to Iowa State was disappointing and unacceptable.

Bruce Weber’s team scored 96 points in the January 18, victory in Stillwater. That was the most by a Wildcat team this season. They may need 96 to beat the Cowboys this time too.

The Wildcat defense forced 19 Cowboy turnovers in the first meeting. They should be able to do this again.

The offense shot also shot the ball well in that January game. The ‘Cats shot 56% from the field and hit 7 of 15 three-pointers.

Barry Brown’s performance in Stillwater was one of his best. He led the team with 22 points and hit 4 three-pointers. That’s the Barry Brown we haven’t seen recently.

Jan 18, 2017; Stillwater, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard Barry Brown (5) shoots while defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys forward Mitchell Solomon (41) and guard Jeffrey Carroll (30) during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Wildcats won 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

D.J. Johnson also had a big game at Gallagher Iba Arena.. He contributed 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.

Having Johnson back in the lineup was huge on Saturday in so many ways.

His tip in and free throw in the final seconds were the margin of victory. Johnson’s senior leadership and toughness were critical to get the road win. Johnson’s ankle, injured in the Sunflower Showdown, is far from 100 percent and probably won’t be Wednesday.

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With Johnson hurting, Dean Wade will need to be aggressive against the Cowboys.

Wade was limited to just 7 points and 5 rebounds in that earlier meeting. Bruce Weber will need all of that and more from the Sophomore.

In Saturday’s road win, the Wildcat offense was on fire in the first half.

I never dreamed they would connect on over 76% of their shots in the first 20-minutes. They cooled off in the second half but still shot over 50% for the game.

You know the Cowboys will want revenge and that Brad Underwood will want to win in his first trip back to Manhattan.

It will be important for Kansas State to get a fast start and get a win at home.

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