The most frustrating thing about this defeat for K-State is that the Wildcats played well enough to win for much of the afternoon. But they fell behind 14-0 in the opening moments and were unable to cut the deficit closer than six the rest of the way.

The No. 9-ranked Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set to play in-state rival Kansas State on Saturday. Both teams are coming off losses: K-State fell to Texas Tech on Tuesday and KU stumbled at Iowa State on Wednesday.

Kansas basketball had a chance to continue to move higher in the top 10 with a win this week against Iowa State. But did the Jayhawks earn a win?

Cincinnati’s stellar defense will test Kansas. The Jayhawks must be aggressive from the opening tip. KU wants to score inside, and that may not be easy. In addition, KU must play its usual stellar defense and not be afraid to get physical. It’s not necessarily bad if the Jayhawks foul UC, as the Bearcats struggle at the line.

The game tips off at Allen Fieldhouse, where Kansas will look to right the ship after a recent stretch of inconsistency. A win over Kansas State could steady the course for Bill Self’s squad as they push toward the heart of Big 12 play.

Kansas State travels to Lawrence for the first round of the 2025 Sunflower Showdown looking to end an 18-game drought at Allen Fieldhouse.

The No. 9-ranked Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team is set to face No. 2 Iowa State on Wednesday. KU beat Cincinnati on Saturday, while Iowa State last defeated Texas Tech. Below is a scouting report and prediction of the game.