Kansas State’s slide in Big 12 play continued Tuesday night with a tough 59-54 loss at West Virginia - another close game that slipped away late. That drops the Wildcats to 1-7 in conference play, tied at the bottom of the standings with Utah.
Their lone Big 12 win? A narrow victory over Utah earlier this month.
And now, as if things weren’t already challenging enough, the team is navigating the continued absence of forward Mobi Ikegwuruka, who’s been away from the program for the past couple of weeks.
Now comes the real test.
K-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Sunday to host No. 8 Iowa State - a team that’s not just talented, but clicking on all cylinders. The Cyclones are fresh off a 97-67 dismantling of Colorado, and they’re not just winning - they’re doing it with style, pace, and a whole lot of firepower.
At the center of Iowa State’s offensive engine is Milan Momcilovic. The sophomore forward is averaging 18.6 points per game and shooting a blistering 53.9% from beyond the arc. That’s not just hot - that’s elite, especially for a player who can stretch the floor and make defenses pay for even the slightest lapse.
But Momcilovic isn’t doing it alone. Joshua Jefferson has emerged as the Cyclones’ do-it-all forward, putting up 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
At 6'9", he’s a matchup nightmare - strong enough to bang inside, skilled enough to facilitate, and smart enough to make the right play more often than not. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill the box score - he shapes the game.
And then there’s the backcourt. Tamin Lipsey is the conductor, leading the team with 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
He’s the guy who keeps the tempo high and the offense humming. Killyan Toure adds nearly 10 points a night and gives the Cyclones another weapon who can hurt you if left unchecked.
As a unit, Iowa State is averaging over 86 points per game and shooting better than 40% from three. That’s not just a hot streak - that’s an identity.
They space the floor, move the ball, and punish defensive breakdowns. They’re physical, fast, and balanced - a rare combination that’s made them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
For Kansas State, the path forward is clear - but far from easy. Slowing the pace will be key.
Iowa State thrives in transition and loves to push the tempo, so the Wildcats will need to control possessions, limit turnovers, and make every trip down the court count. That means finding consistent scoring - something that’s been elusive during this recent stretch - and locking in defensively from the opening tip.
The good news? K-State has pulled off this kind of upset before.
Last season, they stunned Iowa State in Ames - a reminder that anything can happen in Big 12 play, especially at home. But with the way the Wildcats have been struggling lately, they’ll need a near-flawless performance to flip the script this time around.
Sunday’s matchup isn’t just another game - it’s a gut check. A chance to show some fight, reset the tone, and remind the league that Kansas State isn’t going quietly.