KU Jayhawks can end losing streak to K-State in Manhattan Saturday. Here’s how
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas travels to Bramlage Coliseum Saturday, seeks to end three-game Manhattan skid.
- P.J. Haggerty provides primary scoring and 3-point threat for K-State offense.
- Kansas must limit Haggerty; if Peterson's out, Council and Tre White shoulder scoring.
The Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is scheduled to hit the road west in order to face rival K-State on Saturday evening.
No. 19 KU (14-5) beat Colorado on Tuesday, while K-State beat Utah. The Jayhawks have lost their last three games in Manhattan and will be looking to end that streak.
Here is more about Saturday’s game, including a scouting report and prediction:
No. 19 Kansas vs. K-State: Game Details
When: 7 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, Jan. 24
Where: Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan, Kansas)
TV/streaming: FOX
Opponent’s record: 10-9
KenPom (Ken Pomeroy) ranking: 84
Betting line: KU is a 5.5-point favorite.
All statistics are from KenPom.com and EvanMiya. KenPom stats include only Division-I competition.
Kansas State Strengths
- Shooting galore: Kansas State ranks No. 27 in 3-point percentage (35.7).
- Sharing the ball: The Wildcats rank No. 21 in assist rate (61.8)
- Good offense: Kansas State ranks No. 75 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (116.6), which measures the number of points scored per 100 possessions, adjusted for opponent.
Kansas State Weaknesses
- Don’t get to the line: The Wildcats rank No. 332 in free-throw rate (28.2).
- Interior defense: K-State ranks No. 197 in opponent 2-point percentage (51.9).
- About the turnovers: Kansas State ranks No. 185 in opponent turnover percentage (17).
Kansas State Name to Know
6-foot-4 junior guard P.J. Haggerty (No.2)
+ Great scorer (23.4 points per game)
+ Solid from deep (36.6% on 3-pointers)
+ Efficient scorer (51.6% from the field)
+ Good rebounder (5.2 per game)
+ Quality facilitator (4.5 APG per game)
- Bad free-throw shooter (71.4% at the line)
- Turnover prone (3.8 per game)
Kansas-K-State game prediction
It’s unclear whether KU freshman star Darryn Peterson will play in this game — he has a sprained ankle, per coach Bill Self. But with or without him, KU should beat K-State.
On paper, this Kansas State team is not very good. The issue for the Jayhawks? That’s been the case for at least the last two years, and yet KU has still managed to lose in Manhattan.
It’s clear that both teams want to win Saturday’s game badly. The path for KU is simple: Limit Haggerty and force his K-State teammates to beat you.
If Haggerty scores 25 points but shoots poorly, there’s little chance K-State wins this game (unless the Wildcats get hot from deep). K-State doesn’t have the firepower to keep up with KU if Haggerty is struggling, especially with Abdi Bashir out.
Strange things happen in Manhattan, though, so this game will probably be closer than it should. In the end, I think KU manages to end its losing streak inside the Wildcats’ home arena.
Prediction: Kansas 75, K-State 71
Shreyas’ pick to cover the spread: K-State (-5.5)
Shreyas’ season record: 15-4
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 13-6
KU Player to Watch: Melvin Council
Look, Peterson is clearly the Jayhawks’ best player. And his status for Saturday will factor into the outcome.
But regardless of Peterson’s situation, fellow guard Melvin Council is also very important to this team.
Not only will Council likely guard Haggerty, he’ll be asked to shoulder the scoring load alongside Tre White if Peterson is out. How well Council defends Haggerty will decide whether this is a close game ... and whether KU walks out of Bramlage victorious Saturday night.
