Kansas State-TCU basketball preview

7 p.m. Tuesday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.

KMCI (Ch. 38); WHB (810 AM)

The Wildcats have been one of the nation’s hottest teams since December, winning nine in a row and starting Big 12 play with a key victory over Oklahoma State. Several players have been key during the run. Marcus Foster leads the team in scoring, Thomas Gipson is the team’s top rebounder and bench players are starting to contribute at a higher level. K-State blew away TCU in its trip to Fort Worth last season, building a big lead and winning 67-54. K-State also won the rematch 79-68 in Bramlage Coliseum. Wesley Iwundu and Foster are returning to their home state for the first time as college players.

The Horned Frogs are improved from a year ago, but injuries and poor rebounding have held them back. Still, TCU has beaten Mississippi State and Tulsa. TCU also pushed West Virginia until the end in the conference opener. Two freshmen big men have made the difference. Karviar Shepherd is close to averaging a double-double, while Brandon Parrish is averaging 10.9 points. Kyan Anderson makes TCU go at guard. He is averaging 5.2 assists.

TCU is better than last season, but the Wildcats should have enough to start 2-0 and get ready to take on Kansas in the Sunflower Showdown on Saturday in Lawrence.

This story was originally published January 6, 2014 at 5:39 PM with the headline "Kansas State-TCU basketball preview."