Kansas State Faces Baylor in First Game After Tang’s Firing: What to Watch for in Manhattan
Tuesday night in Manhattan won’t just be about basketball-it’s about what comes next for a Kansas State program suddenly thrust into transition. The Wildcats are set to host Baylor at Bramlage Coliseum in their first game since parting ways with head coach Jerome Tang, and all eyes will be on how this team responds under interim leadership.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, with the game airing on ESPN2 and streaming live on ESPN+.
A Shocking Turn for Tang and K-State
Just two days before the matchup, Kansas State made headlines by firing Tang “for cause,” citing his postgame press conference following a loss to Cincinnati as the tipping point. It was a stunning move, especially considering Tang’s deep ties to Baylor, where he spent nearly two decades as an assistant before taking the K-State job in 2022.
Now, with the Wildcats mired in a six-game skid, assistant coach Matthew Driscoll steps in as interim head coach. It’s a tough spot for any team-navigating the emotional fallout of a coaching change while trying to stop the bleeding in the heart of Big 12 play.
Baylor’s Own Struggles
While Kansas State is dealing with internal turmoil, Baylor’s not exactly riding high either. After a strong 10-2 start in non-conference play, the Bears have stumbled in Big 12 action, dropping nine of their last 12. Most recently, they fell 82-71 to Louisville in a non-conference game played in Fort Worth.
That loss highlighted some of the issues that have plagued Baylor during conference play-defensive lapses, inconsistent shooting, and stretches where the offense goes quiet. Still, this is a team with talent, and they’ll be eager to get back on track against a K-State squad in flux.
What to Watch Tonight
This isn’t just a regular-season game-it’s a pressure cooker. Kansas State players will be out to prove something, both to themselves and to a fanbase unsure of what the future holds. Driscoll, a veteran assistant with head coaching experience, will try to steady the ship and bring some stability to a locker room that’s seen plenty of turbulence in recent days.
For Baylor, the focus is on snapping out of a midseason funk and regaining some momentum before the final stretch of conference play. A win on the road, especially in a charged environment like Bramlage, would be a major step in the right direction.
When and Where to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 17
- Time: 8 p.m. CT
- Location: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kansas
- TV: ESPN2
- Streaming: ESPN+
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Schedules
Kansas State’s Next Three Games
- Feb.
21: @ Texas Tech, 1:30 p.m.
- Feb.
25: @ Colorado, 8 p.m.
- Feb. 28: vs.
TCU, 5:30 p.m.
Baylor’s Next Three Games
- Feb. 21: vs.
Arizona State, 3 p.m.
- Feb. 24: vs.
Arizona, 8 p.m.
- Feb.
28: @ UCF, 7 p.m.
Tonight’s matchup is more than just another line on the schedule-it’s a turning point. For Kansas State, it’s about finding identity and resilience in the face of upheaval.
For Baylor, it’s a chance to reset and refocus. And for fans, it’s must-watch basketball with plenty of emotion, tension, and storylines to follow.