Kansas State women's basketball seemed to be soaring through the season, even with losing their star center Ayoka Lee yet again with an injury. Lee was sidelined with a foot injury in late January that would keep her off the court for an undisclosed amount of time as she had a fracture in her foot.
Lee ended up returning to the court a week and a half ago against Kansas but only ended up playing five minutes before feeling discomfort in the same injured foot. Lee and the Kansas State coaching staff made the decision that she would sit the rest of the season to heal from the surgery she had before and be ready for the NCAA Tournament.
Well, the Wildcats are probably eager to get Lee back after dropping back-to-back games to finish off the regular season against No. 17 Baylor at home and at Iowa State. Now the Wildcats will look to the Big 12 women's basketball Tournament to try and help their recent free fall.
Kansas State, with their recent losses, three in their last four to be exact, ended up being the No. 5 seed, which means they get only one bye instead of a double bye to start out. The Wildcats are set to play their first game on Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. CT where they will play the winner of No. 12 BYU and No. 13 UCF.
Lee is not expected to be back for the Big 12 Tournament, but again elected to rest for the NCAA Tournament.
"I made the decision now in order to give myself seven to 10 days of practice in preparation for the NCAA Tournament," Lee told the media earlier in the week.
Even with missing so much time, Lee still averages 15.5 points per game and 6.1 rebounds, as well as 2.2 blocks. Having their big center back for the NCAA Tournament will be a huge boost to a Wildcat offense that has struggled since losing her. Right now, Kansas State just needs to focus on getting out of the Big 12 Tournament healthy and then turn their focus to the NCAA Tournament, where they will get Lee back.