Kansas State Hosts Baylor in Big 12 Clash: What to Watch Tuesday Night
Kansas State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Tuesday night for its seventh home game of conference play, and this one’s got some juice. The Wildcats are set to take on a high-powered Baylor squad in a matchup that promises pace, points, and plenty of intrigue.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT, with the game airing live on ESPN2.
Wildcats Looking to Bounce Back After Houston Loss
Kansas State is coming off a 78-64 loss to then-No. 3 Houston on Saturday, but don’t let the final score fool you-this team showed some fight. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Wildcats kept things more competitive than many expected, especially in the second half, where they put up 45 points and found some rhythm offensively.
PJ Haggerty led the way with 23 points, continuing to be a steady scoring presence in the backcourt. He was one of three starters to finish in double figures, and his ability to attack off the dribble gave Houston some problems late.
Nate Johnson had a well-rounded performance, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds and dishing out four assists. He also showed off his range, hitting three of five from beyond the arc. As a team, K-State shot 35% from the field, but the second-half surge showed signs of offensive potential that could carry into Tuesday night.
In a symbolic move following their recent home loss to Cincinnati, the Wildcats took the names off the backs of their jerseys. It’s a gesture that speaks to a team-first mentality as they look to rally down the stretch of Big 12 play.
What the Numbers Say
According to ESPN Analytics, Baylor comes into this one as a 60% favorite. It’s the first time the Bears have been favored in a matchup since February 4 against Colorado, and they’ll be looking to capitalize on that edge.
Both teams like to push the pace and can fill it up offensively. Baylor is averaging 83.2 points per game, while Kansas State isn’t far behind, with both squads sitting north of the 80-point mark. The Bears do give up their fair share on the other end, allowing an average of 76 points per game-something the Wildcats will look to exploit, especially if they can get hot from deep like they did in the second half against Houston.
Projected Lineups and Injury Notes
Kansas State is expected to roll with a starting five of PJ Haggerty, David Castillo, Nate Johnson, Khamari McGriff, and Taj Manning. That group brings a mix of scoring, size, and versatility, with Haggerty and Johnson anchoring the backcourt.
Off the bench, Marcus Johnson, Dorin Buca, and CJ Jones are all expected to be available and ready to contribute. Their depth could be key in a game that’s likely to be up-tempo from the opening tip.
One question mark heading into Tuesday is the status of forward Andrej Kostic. He missed the Wildcats' game against TCU after rolling his ankle in practice, and it remains unclear whether he’ll be available against Baylor. His presence would give K-State another capable body in the frontcourt, especially against a Baylor team that can crash the glass and score inside.
The Bottom Line
This is a big one for Kansas State. After battling tough against Houston, the Wildcats have a chance to build some momentum at home against a Baylor team that can score in bunches but has shown some defensive vulnerabilities. If Haggerty continues to lead the offense and Johnson brings the all-around impact he showed last time out, the Wildcats could be in position to make things interesting.
Baylor may be the favorite on paper, but if Kansas State can bring the energy early and keep the pace in their favor, don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire in Manhattan.