K-State Wildcats vs. Utah Utes: Big 12 Basketball Game Details & Predictions

Kansas State Wildcats are set to face the Utah Utes in a crucial Big 12 basketball matchup. The game will take place at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan on Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Wildcats are looking to break a five-game losing streak, while the Utes are coming off a victory over TCU.

K-State Wildcats vs. Utah Utes: Game Details

• Date and Time: Tuesday at 8 p.m.
• Location: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan
• Television: CBS Sports Network
• Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City; KFH (1240 AM and 97.5 FM) in Wichita
• Odds: K-State favored by 8.5; Over/Under set at 169.5

Team Overview

The Kansas State Wildcats currently hold a record of 9-9, with a disappointing 0-5 in Big 12 play. This marks the first time since 1997 that K-State has started conference play without a victory.

Led by high scorer PJ Haggerty, the Wildcats are looking to regain their footing. Abdi Bashir and Nate Johnson also contribute significantly to the team’s offense. Khamari McGriff has shown promise but faces challenges with foul troubles.

On the other hand, the Utah Utes, also at 9-9, have a 1-4 record in the Big 12. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Alex Jensen, the Utes recently recorded their first conference win against TCU with a score of 82-79.

Key Players

• Utah Starters:
  • Terrence Brown, G, 21.6 ppg
  • Don McHenry, G, 18.2 ppg
  • Keanu Dawes, F, 12.5 ppg
  • Seydou Traore, F, 8.8 ppg
  • James Okonkwo, F, 2.7 ppg
• K-State Starters:
  • PJ Haggerty, G, 22.8 ppg
  • Abdi Bashir, G, 13.2 ppg
  • Nate Johnson, G, 11.3 ppg
  • Khamari McGriff, F, 10.2 ppg
  • Taj Manning, F, 3.4 ppg

Game Predictions

Kansas State has an opportunity to secure its first conference win. The Wildcats excel against teams like Utah that struggle defensively and give up high point totals. The Utes concede an average of 87.6 points per game against conference opponents, indicating vulnerability in their defense.

Utah’s recent win over TCU may lead to overconfidence, but a strong performance from K-State’s Haggerty could turn the tide in their favor. The Wildcats need to maximize their shooting and limit fouls for a successful outing against Utah.

Final Thoughts

This matchup presents a pivotal moment for the Wildcats amid a challenging start to the season. The outcome could build momentum for upcoming games, and K-State is positioned as the favorite. A home victory against the Utes is crucial as they aim to claw back into the conference race.

Prediction: K-State 88, Utah 80.