Texas at No. 18 Kansas State

•  WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan.

•  TV/RADIO: ESPN2; WHB (810 AM)

•  ABOUT TEXAS (9-10, 1-5 Big 12): The Longhorns are in the middle of their worst season under coach Rick Barnes. After making the NCAA Tournament in each of his first 14 seasons at Texas, the team is unlikely to play in the postseason this year. Some of that is due to the absence of top guard Myck Kabongo, who is serving a lengthy suspension for violating NCAA rules. Part of it is due to youth. The Longhorns have two seniors on their roster and rely mostly on underclassmen. Despite its losing record, Texas has played some better-quality teams tough, and beat North Carolina.

•  ABOUT KANSAS STATE (15-4, 4-2 Big 12): The Wildcats are trying to bounce back from a two-game losing streak that dropped them seven spots in the Associated Press top 25 poll. Rebounding might be the key. K-State was unable to prevent Iowa State from grabbing offensive rebounds, and that ultimately cost it the game. Thomas Gipson and Jordan Henriquez have not played well of late, and need to establish themselves inside to help the Wildcats reach their full potential. Angel Rodriguez has dished out six or more assists in three straight games. K-State has won three of the last four against Texas, but the Longhorns won their last meeting.

•  BOTTOM LINE: Without Kabongo, Texas has struggled on the road. K-State should be able to win without its best effort.