NCAA Bracket Preview: Complete Kansas State Tournament Primer

The Kansas State Wildcats enter March Madness as a tale of two teams. Ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, Kansas State struggled significantly at the start of conference play before rebounding in the second half putting together eight wins in their last nine games. Head coach Frank Martin has a reputation for being, ahem, intense on the sidelines but that style has worked for Jacob Pullen who was a Big 12 player of the year candidate and first team All-Big 12 selection.

Record: 22-10 (10-6)

RPI: 19

Key wins:

-Kansas: The Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 in the country on February 14th and K-State was ready for them delivering an 84-68 victory in Manhattan, Kan. This was the momentum for K-State’s late season run.

-Missouri: The Tigers were ranked in the top 25 and came to Bramlage Coliseum only to lose to K-State, 80-70, on February 26th. Missouri was the second big test in their six-game winning streak to end the season.

-Texas: Just two days after the Missouri game, K-State beat the Longhorns, 75-70. This was considered the game that secured the Wildcats an NCAA tournament spot.

Key losses:

-Oklahoma State: K-State lost their first game on the conference schedule and that set the stage for a near-insurmountable early season collapse for the Wildcats including losses in four of their first five Big 12 games.

-Colorado: This is actually three losses. The Buffs beat K-State three times throughout the season including twice in K-State’s last 10 games.

Players to watch: Jacob Pullen is the main player to watch for K-State He’s a decorated senior, preseason All-American, All-Big 12 first team selection and was a candidate for the Big 12 Player of the Year. He has the ability to take a game over.

For more NCAA tournament coverage of the Kansas State Wildcats, please visit Bring On The Cats and SB Nation Kansas City.

Need a printable NCAA bracket to fill out for the tournament? Download SB Nation’s March Madness Bracket.