Well at least this squad won’t be winless in 2026. The Wildcats overcame a spate of injuries to outlast Utah 81-78 in the midweek game to give the Wildcats their first win in Big 12 play, improving to 10-9
overall on the season, and 1-5 in conference action. At least the TangCats finally have that monkey off their backs.
But it’s not like the Wildcats displayed any growth, any semblance that they might be figuring things out during the win. Rather, the Cats faced an equally awful team and managed to win by the home court advantage usually given by the betting odds. So, despite the win, it doesn’t look like the TangCats have turned a corner, or might suddenly become competitive in the Big 12.
All that to say, this evening could get ugly. Somehow, someway, Jerome Tang has managed to win his first three home games against KU; the first coach K-State since Jack Gardner to accomplish that feat. But the likelihood of extending that streak to four is incredibly low, with the Jayhawks (14-5, 4-2 Big 12) finally looking like a championship team, and the Wildcats continuing to play defenseless basketball — but not without the services of 3-point ace Abdi Bashir, who will be out for the next several weeks after having surgery for a foot stress fracture. While normally we would say anything is possible, it sure feels like this one is more of a foregone conclusion.
However, if the Cats can suddenly find defense, or catch absolute fire from deep for 40 minutes, there is still a glimmer of hope, the chance for a miracle. So if you’re the praying type, now is time to pray for a miracle. The Cats need all the help they can get.
We’ve got an 7:05pm CT tipoff from Bramlage Coliseum, and you can catch the action on FOX, and streaming on FoxSports.com, with Jason Benetti (play-by-play) and LaPhonso Ellis (analyst) on the call.
If you don’t have FOX, or can’t access the stream, the game can be heard across portions of the 28-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play) and Stan Weber (analyst) calling the action. The game will also be available online at K-Statesports.com and via the Varsity Network app, as well as on satellite radio at Sirius/XM Ch. 380. Live stats are also available at k-statesports.com, and social media updates (@KStateMBB) will also be a part of the coverage.
Go Cats!
