The Wildcats will be desperate and motivated, as they're playing close to campus and need a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. They ended their regular season with a crucial win over Iowa State, riding their stingy defense to the upset. The first matchup between these teams was a dogfight — can the Cats muck it up enough to advance?

Kansas State, 20th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, defends well both inside and outside the arc. Its opponents shoot 40.6 percent overall and 31.3 percent from three-point distance. As impressive as that is, the Wildcats aren't a good rebounding squad and don't turn over their opponents. Their defensive impact is weakened by their lack of offensive efficiency, as well.

K-State ranks 255th in FG% and has struggled to knock down three-pointers all season. They turn the ball over way too often (14.9 per game), too. Those issues are concerning against a Horns squad that forces a lot of turnovers and held the Cats to 5-for-19 shooting (26.3%) from long range in their previous meeting.

Texas, 20th in offensive efficiency and 55th in defensive efficiency, is a well-balanced squad. Its backcourt combo of Max Abmas (16.8 PPG and 4.3 APG) and Tyrese Hunter (11.4 PPG and 4.3 APG) is one of the best in the country. A talented and well-coached team, Texas is capable of holding off the hungry Wildcats to win and cover.