Two teams desperate to build momentum leading into next week's Big 12 tournament square off Wednesday when Kansas State visits Cincinnati. The Bearcats (17-12, 7-11 Big 12) are coming off a 73-64 loss at then-No. 4 Houston on Saturday, a game that saw them struggle to contain the Cougars' high-powered offense. Despite the loss, Cincinnati remains optimistic about its chances, particularly with the return of several key players from injury.
Kansas State, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to TCU. The Wildcats (18-12, 8-10 Big 12) have struggled with consistency all season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end. With the Big 12 tournament looming, Kansas State knows it needs to string together some wins to build momentum and make a deep run in the postseason.
The Bearcats and Wildcats have a long history, and their matchup on Wednesday is sure to be intense. Cincinnati is looking to even the season series, having lost the first meeting between the two teams earlier in the year. With the crowd behind them, the Bearcats are confident they can come out on top and gain some much-needed momentum heading into the tournament.
One of the key storylines heading into the game is the health of Cincinnati's star player, who has been nursing an injury for several weeks. The Bearcats have struggled to find their rhythm without him, but his return to the lineup could provide a significant boost to the team's offense. Meanwhile, Kansas State will be looking to shut down Cincinnati's leading scorer, who has been virtually unstoppable at times this season.
As the two teams take to the court, the energy in the arena is sure to be electric. With so much on the line, both teams will be giving it their all, leaving everything on the court. The question on everyone's mind is: can Cincinnati pull off the upset and even the season series, or will Kansas State prove too strong? Tune in on Wednesday to find out.