Saturday’s game against the No. 3-ranked Houston Cougars isn’t the kind of contest that K-State fans are looking forward to, especially after the team’s most recent 91-62 loss at home to Cincinnati.
But with a few adjustments, it’s possible that things could turn in favor of the Wildcats, and flip a longshot prediction into a defensive battle.
Strong defense at the center of stopping Houston’s attack
The key to topping Houston isn’t running the strongest offense in the conference, although that certainly helps when it comes to putting points on the board. Against the Cougars, defense wins championships.
Houston was tested against Utah earlier this season, being held to just 66 points in a game dominated by three-point shooting and Emmanuel Sharp.
Step it up defensively against a team that averages 78.3 points per game, and there’s a chance the final score might be closer than expected.
Spreading out scoring beyond PJ Haggerty
PJ Haggerty scored 24 points the last time out against the Bearcats, marking the 13th consecutive game in which he’s led the team in points and the third consecutive game this season that he’s scored 20 or more points.
Against the Cougars, that formula isn’t one that works in your favor.
Depending on today’s starting rotation, the offense won’t just need another big performance from Haggerty, but also multiple scorers in double figures and maybe a double-double or two. That stat line isn't required, but it would certainly help.
Another night where Haggerty has to triple up the next leading scorer, and it’s another one that slips through the Wildcats’ fingers.
Limiting the three ball plays in the Wildcats’ favor
When you’re up against a team like Houston, almost everything ends at the three-point line. You can fight to control the paint, but if the deep ball gets going, good luck. Another shooting performance like Cincinnati put up on Wednesday, and this one has the potential to get out of control quickly.
The simple solution is this: limit the three balls, shoot it 50% or better from the floor and just hope that a shot or two takes a lucky bounce and goes your way.
If those three things can somehow find a way to fall in line, the away crowd might just be in for a good one inside the Fertitta Center.
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