Kansas State Looks to Snap Skid Against Inconsistent TCU Squad
Kansas State heads into Saturday’s matchup with a chance to reset its Big 12 campaign and finally shake off a frustrating losing streak. The Wildcats, sitting at 10-12 overall and 1-8 in conference play, haven’t tasted victory since mid-January and haven’t won on the road since a December 13 win over Creighton. But this weekend in Fort Worth, they’ll face a TCU team that’s been anything but predictable.
Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. CT at Schollmaier Arena, with the game airing on TNT.
A Tale of Two Teams Searching for Consistency
Let’s start with the Wildcats. Three straight losses have them in a tough spot, and while the effort hasn’t always been lacking, the execution has.
They’ve struggled to find rhythm offensively and haven’t been able to string together stops when it matters most. This game represents more than just a shot at a second Big 12 win - it’s a gut-check moment for a team that needs to rediscover its identity before the season slips away.
On the other side, TCU (13-9, 3-6 Big 12) is the definition of a rollercoaster. One week they’re knocking off Baylor in Waco, the next they’re getting blown out by 26 at Colorado.
That kind of inconsistency makes them dangerous - and unpredictable. For Kansas State, that means staying locked in for 40 minutes.
TCU can beat you if you let your guard down, but they can also beat themselves if you apply pressure and force mistakes.
Injury Report: Wildcats Dealing with Key Absences
Kansas State’s lineup has been in flux, and Saturday won’t be any different. The Wildcats will once again be without Elias Rapieque, Abdi Bashir Jr., and Mobi Ikegwuruka. Adding to the list, Andrej Kostic has now been ruled out after appearing on the most recent injury report.
There is, however, a bit of good news. Khamari McGriff, who was listed as a game-time decision, is back in the starting five.
His presence gives the Wildcats a much-needed boost in the backcourt. Dorin Buca, also a game-time call, was seen warming up and could be available off the bench.
Projected Starters
Kansas State:
- PJ Haggerty
- David Castillo
- Nate Johnson
- Taj Manning
- Khamari McGriff
TCU:
- Jayden Pierre
- Brock Harding
- Liutauras Lelevicius
- David Punch
- Xavier Edmonds
What’s Next for Both Teams?
After this game, Kansas State returns home to face Cincinnati on February 11, followed by a road trip to Houston on February 14, and then a home tilt against Baylor on February 17. That’s a tough stretch, and it makes Saturday’s contest even more important - not just for morale, but for momentum heading into a brutal part of the schedule.
TCU, meanwhile, will host Iowa State next, then head out for back-to-back road games at Oklahoma State and UCF. Like K-State, they’re searching for rhythm in a conference that doesn’t give you many second chances.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s a crossroads moment for Kansas State.
A win in Fort Worth could stabilize things and give the Wildcats something to build on. A loss?
That would make the uphill climb even steeper.
Expect a gritty, back-and-forth battle between two teams that are still figuring out who they are. And in the Big 12, that kind of matchup often delivers the most drama.