Kansas State women's basketball is still dancing this postseason, chasing a second WBIT win after knocking off Georgia Tech in the opener. If this one mirrors the grit the Wildcats showed in round one, buckle up – it’s going to be a good one.
Kansas State crashing the March spotlight outside the NCAA Tournament
The Wildcats fell just short of an automatic NCAA Tournament bid after wins over Cincinnati, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. In their third meeting of the season against the Lady Raiders, Kansas State fueled an improbable 21-0 run, storming back in the fourth quarter.
That momentum died off two rounds later, as they exited in the semifinal against TCU, before earning an invitation to the WBIT. In the opening round, K-State took down the Yellow Jackets 69-65.
Now, the attention shifts to Cal. The Golden Bears finished the regular season 10th in the ACC, advancing to face the Wildcats after an opening round 72-68 victory against Santa Clara.
What could decide Kansas State vs Cal before tipoff
The Kansas State roster is still operating at full strength. Both Taryn Sides and Nastja Claessens, who led the Wildcats with double figure scoring totals, are expected to start. They aren’t the only ones, either.
Tess Heal, who played 35 minutes in the opening round, will also make an appearance. Sides currently leads the team in scoring with 12.4 points and steals with 1.8 per game.
On the other side of the ball, the Golden Bears scoring is led by Lulu Twidale with 16.2 points. Twidale also leads the team in assists with 3.7. Rebounds are led by Gisela Maul with 3.7 and steals by Mjracle Sheppard with two per contest.
In the opening round against Santa Clara, Twidale logged a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds. She also led the team in assists with four. She’s scored 30 or more three timies this season, most recently against Florida State on Feb. 19.
The blueprint for Kansas State to finish the job
It goes without saying that success in the frontcourt starts with shutting down Twidale. Limit her point totals, spread the floor and close out in the paint, this one is easy.
Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday. The second round game will stream on ESPN+.
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