Kansas Aims to Extend Rivalry Streak Against Struggling Kansas State

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks (12-4, 3-2 Big 12) will look to rebound from a double-digit loss to Iowa State as they host the struggling Kansas State Wildcats (7-9, 1-4 Big 12) on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. The game, set for noon CT, will be broadcast on CBS.

Kansas, which had won three straight games before falling to Iowa State on Wednesday, faces a Kansas State team desperate to turn its season around. The Wildcats have struggled in Big 12 play, sitting at 1-4 and ranking near the bottom of the conference in both scoring offense and defense. Despite their struggles, Kansas guard Rylan Griffen warned against underestimating their rival. “We know they’re going to play their tails off,” Griffen said. “This is a season-defining type of game for them.”

The Jayhawks will be without senior forward KJ Adams, who suffered a separated shoulder in the loss to Iowa State. Adams, a key defensive presence, has started every game this season and has appeared in 89 consecutive contests. His absence leaves a significant void in Kansas’ lineup. “He’s been without question our best and most consistent performer,” said Kansas coach Bill Self. “It’s a blow, but it’s also a great opportunity for someone else to step up.”

Kansas State, meanwhile, has yet to see the payoff from its offseason roster overhaul. The Wildcats added several transfers, including former Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins, who averages 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. However, the team has struggled with consistency, particularly in late-game situations. Against TCU on Jan. 4, the Wildcats failed to score in the final minutes of a one-point loss, and they managed just one field goal in the last eight minutes of a recent defeat to Texas Tech.

Self acknowledged the Wildcats’ potential, calling them a “scary team offensively” due to their shooting ability. Kansas State’s rotation has been fluid, with head coach Jerome Tang experimenting with different lineups. The Wildcats’ current starting five includes Hawkins, 6-foot-9 forward David N’Guessan, and Villanova transfer Brendan Hausen, one of the Big 12’s most prolific 3-point shooters.

For Kansas, the focus will be on maintaining its dominance in the rivalry. The Jayhawks have won 18 straight home games against Kansas State and hold a 204-95 all-time series lead. However, Tang has split his four matchups with Kansas since taking over the Wildcats’ program in 2022. “They’re going to be desperate because they’re under .500, but we’re going to be desperate too,” Griffen said. “We don’t have any room for error right now.”

With Adams sidelined, Kansas will rely on freshman center Flory Bidunga and transfers Rylan Griffen and AJ Storr to fill the void. Bidunga, in particular, will need to avoid foul trouble while matching up against Kansas State’s athletic frontcourt. Self also hinted at the possibility of playing smaller lineups, potentially using Griffen or Storr at the power forward position.

The game will be a critical test for both teams as they navigate the challenges of Big 12 play. Kansas aims to stay in contention for the conference title, while Kansas State looks to salvage its season with a statement win against its rival.