How Will Kansas State Foes Fare in Sweet 16 Action?
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas State Basketball team ended their season last Friday in the first-round of the NCAA Tournament. Now the ‘Cats must sit and watch.
Bruce Weber’s Wildcats did a fine job representing the Big 12. They opened March Madness play defeating ACC opponent Wake Forest in the first-four battle in Dayton.
It is frustrating for players and fans to watch teams in the tournament’s Sweet 16 that they beat. However, thats the one and done pressure that makes the tourney so popular.
Let’s consider what we saw during the season and what the Wildcats did against common opponents to determine which teams will advance.
In San Jose, West Virginia and top seed Gonzaga will battle. The Wildcats beat the Mountaineers in late January at Bramlage. A few weeks later, they lost by 19 in Morgantown.
In late November Gonzaga beat Iowa State 73-71. The ‘Cats lost to the Cyclones twice.
I don’t think Bob Huggins’ guys are as good playing away from home. If Gonzaga can avoid turnovers, they have the mental toughness to win this one.
In New York, Baylor will meet South Carolina led by former Kansas State Coach Frank. The Wildcats beat Baylor twice this season including a win in the Big 12 tournament.
I thought this Baylor team peaked late in the year. However, they played so well last weekend, I have to reconsider. South Carolina may have reached their team goal. Baylor may catch them at the right time and should advance.
Next: Kansas State Basketball: Lots of Work To Do
Kansas State came within a missed call of beating the Jayhawks in Lawrence and played them tough at Bramlage. Purdue is big but not unbeatable. In February, they edged Maryland by 1 point. The Terps beat Kansas State by a point in November.
All things considered, they guys from Lawrence have the tools and the home court advantage at Sprint Center to advance over the Boilermakers.