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Podcast: Here’s why Kansas State is among biggest surprises of NCAA tourney teams

Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell talks with reporters in the team’s locker room at the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday. Kansas State will take on Montana State in first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell talks with reporters in the team’s locker room at the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday. Kansas State will take on Montana State in first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday. The Wichita Eagle

Of the 32 games in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Kansas State’s contest with Montana State is the 30th, tipping off Friday evening. That gave us enough time to break down the Wildcats on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast with Kellis Robinett.

The Wildcats are one of the most unlikely tournament teams, based on preseason expectations. They were picked to finish last in the Big 12. But in Jerome Tang’s first season, K-State came in third in the league and is a No. 3 seed taking on Montana State in the NCAA opener in Greensboro, North Carolina.

We discuss how it came together, including the role of the team’s two returning players, Markquis Nowell and Ismeal Massoud, in shaping this year’s roster. Also, a look ahead at a possible Kansas State-Kentucky second round game if those teams win on Friday.

Story link:

K-State Wildcats vs. Montana State Bobcats: NCAA Tournament game time, TV, prediction

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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