Beneath the canopy of the NCAA Tournament’s Round 2, Kentucky and Kansas State will battle it out on Saturday in a matchup that is sure to be thrilling. The Wildcats boast a talented roster that is driven by their star forward, PJ Washington, and their tenacious defense. Meanwhile, the Wildcats of Kansas State have been playing strong defense of their own, and have the ability to score in bunches. Here’s what you need to know about the matchup between Kentucky and Kansas State:
Kentucky enters the game with an impressive record of 28-6, with their only losses coming against quality opponents such as Auburn, Tennessee, and Florida. Offensively, the Wildcats rank seventh nationally in points per game, and are led by Washington, who averages 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. The Wildcats have also been very successful from beyond the arc, with guard Tyler Herro connecting on 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts.
Kansas State, on the other hand, has gone 25-8 this season and is led by forward Dean Wade. The Wildcats are a balanced team that can score inside and out, and rank fifth in the nation in points per game. Kansas State is also a good defensive team, ranking 25th in the nation in points allowed per game.
The key to victory for Kentucky will be to slow the pace and limit Kansas State’s ability to run. The Wildcats must also make sure to contain Wade, who is capable of taking over a game with his scoring. On the other hand, Kansas State must be able to break down the Wildcats’ defense and capitalize on their chances.
Saturday’s matchup should be an exciting one, and will likely come down to the wire. Whether it’s Kentucky’s defensive prowess or Kansas State’s offensive firepower, one of these teams will be moving on to the Sweet 16. Tune in to find out which one it will be.