•  WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m. Thursday at the Sprint Center

•  TV/RADIO: KMCI (Ch. 38); WHB (810 AM)

•  ABOUT TEXAS (16-16): The Longhorns have played well recently, beating Iowa State, Oklahoma and Baylor since Myck Kabongo returned from a 23-game suspension. But are they playing well enough to make a run in the Big 12 Tournament? Texas lost both regular season games to K-State, so it won’t be easy. … If they can’t win out in Kansas City, the Longhorns are hoping to land a spot in the NIT or one of the lesser-known postseason tournaments.

•  ABOUT KANSAS STATE (25-6): The Wildcats are coming off a loss to Oklahoma State, but they are still considered one of the favorites at the Big 12 Tournament after splitting the regular-season championship with Kansas. … Jordan Henriquez is battling a back injury but K-State coach Bruce Weber said he has responded to well to treatment and should be able to start. … Will Spradling is growing stronger each day after suffering a bruised sternum against Texas. Expect him to play 25-plus minutes in the quarterfinals. … The Wildcats haven’t won a Big 12 Tournament game since 2010.

•  RPI: K-State 20, Texas 113

•  BOTTOM LINE: K-State will be motivated. This is a game it needs to win in order to strengthen its chances of starting the NCAA Tournament in Kansas City.