What K-State learned from consecutive losses to Big 12 basketball heavyweights
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- K-State started Big 12 play with uncompetitive losses to BYU and Arizona.
- K-State struggled inside and on boards against teams with bigger frontcourts.
- Wildcats expect easier matchups next weeks and aim to learn and rebound.
There is no such thing as an easy basketball game in the Big 12, but some are definitely harder than others.
Kansas State began conference play with two of the most difficult games on its entire schedule. After a pair of uncompetitive losses to No. 10 BYU and No. 1 Arizona, the Wildcats (9-6, 0-2 Big 12) are understandably looking forward to an upcoming stretch of games that doesn’t feature projected Final Four participants.
“That’s the great thing about this league,” K-State coach Jerome Tang said. “We played a team with a 10 in front of their name and then we played one with a one in front of their name. Now we have got a whole lot of others to go compete against. I’m excited for the next battle.”
K-State will face a less daunting schedule over the next few weeks, starting with a road game against Arizona State (9-6, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday.
Both teams are searching for their first conference victory.
After the Sun Devils, the Wildcats will face UCF, Oklahoma State and Utah. That’s as easy as it’s going to get in the Big 12.
For that reason, K-State players are trying not to dwell on their recent losing streak.
“We can shake off losses pretty fast,” K-State guard Nate Johnson said. “Obviously, we had a spin where we lost four in a row, but I think we learned from that. It’s the Big 12. What else should we expect? Just move on to the next game.”
The Wildcats have learned some valuable lessons from their games against Big 12 championship contenders. Arizona and BYU both have huge frontcourts and bullied K-State in the paint. Their length also made it difficult for the Wildcats to make shots from beyond the arc.
“In the game against BYU, I think we made a couple mistakes where we went dry and couldn’t score,” K-State guard PJ Haggerty said. “In the last game we just got out-rebounded and they got a lot of second chances. When that happens, it’s kind of hard to win.”
It seems unlikely that Arizona State, or any of the next four teams on K-State’s schedule, will pose the same kind of matchup problems. The Wildcats are eager to prove themselves against different competition.