Key Highlights
- Kansas State faces a tough road match against top-ranked Houston.
- The Wildcats have struggled in Big 12 play this season, losing five straight games.
- Houston is playing its best basketball and ranks among the top defensive teams nationally.
- This will be just the 11th meeting between K-State and Houston, with each team winning five times.
Preparation for a Challenging Match
Kansas State (K-State) is gearing up to face Big 12 co-leader and No. 3-ranked Houston at Fertitta Center on Saturday. The road match marks the second of three consecutive Saturday road games in Texas, following last week’s game against TCU.
Current Situation for K-State
K-State is off to its worst start ever in Big 12 play, having lost five straight overall and just one game since the calendar turned to 2026. The team has a dismal record of 28-86 against Top 5 teams and a particularly poor history of 2-10 on the road versus No. 3-ranked opponents.
Key Players and Injuries
Injuries have significantly impacted K-State’s performance, with key players like Abdi Bashir Jr., Elias Rapieque, and reserve Andrej Kostic sidelined for multiple games. The return of Khamari McGriff provides some hope but does not fully address the depth issues.
Houston’s Dominance
Houston is playing its best basketball in years, winning five straight matches to secure a tie for first place in the Big 12. They rank second in scoring defense and lead in several key statistical
Notable Players on Houston’s Side
Freshman Kingston Flemings leads Houston with an impressive 16.6 points per game, while Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler contribute from the frontcourt. The team’s defense is a formidable barrier for K-State to breach.
Ancient Rivalry, Modern Struggles
This will be just the 11th meeting between these two teams, with Houston holding an edge in recent history. Last season’s contest saw Houston crush K-State by 30 points at Fertitta Center. The stakes are high for K-State to avoid another significant defeat.
TV and Radio Coverage
Fans can catch the game on Peacock or NBC Sports Network, with play-by-play commentary from James Westling and analyst Jordan Cornette. For radio listeners, the game will be broadcast by the K-State Sports Network, including coverage on KMAN 1350 & WIBW 580.
Conclusion
Houston’s dominance in this matchup is no secret, but for K-State, every game presents an opportunity to prove themselves. The Wildcats must focus on minimizing turnovers and exploiting Houston’s defensive lapses if they hope to avoid another tough loss in the Big 12 standings.