The Kansas State Wildcats secured a crucial 70-67 victory over the No. 17-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats in their Big 12 opener, boosting their morale and NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rating. This win not only halted a three-game losing streak but also marked their most impressive victory of the season. Now, the Wildcats face a challenging road trip with back-to-back games against TCU and Oklahoma State. The team aims to build on their recent success while demonstrating consistency away from home.

Building Momentum on the Road

The Wildcats' upcoming road games present an opportunity to solidify their standing in the Big 12 conference. Both TCU and Oklahoma State are ranked near the bottom of the league, offering Kansas State a chance to gain more confidence and improve their record. Despite their lower NET rankings, these opponents cannot be underestimated, especially given the unpredictable nature of road games. The Wildcats will need to maintain their recent level of play to secure wins.

In their recent victory over Cincinnati, Kansas State showed significant improvement, particularly in limiting turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Super-senior forward Coleman Hawkins and junior point guard Dug McDaniel were standout performers, contributing significantly to the win. Hawkins recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while McDaniel added 17 points. The team's ability to minimize mistakes and capitalize on defensive plays was key to their success. Maintaining this focus will be essential as they prepare for their road games.

Facing the Unbeaten Horned Frogs at Home

The first stop on the Wildcats' road trip is TCU, where the Horned Frogs have been undefeated at Schollmaier Arena this season. Despite their overall struggles, TCU boasts a strong home record, including a notable win against Xavier. The loss of key players due to injuries has impacted their performance, but the remaining roster has shown resilience. The Wildcats must be prepared for a tough battle, especially considering TCU's undefeated home record.

TCU's lineup features several transfers who have taken on leadership roles in the absence of injured players. Vasean Allette leads the team with 10.7 points per game, supported by Noah Reynolds and Trazerien White. While TCU has struggled against higher-ranked teams, their home court advantage and balanced scoring make them a formidable opponent. For Kansas State, duplicating their Cincinnati performance will be crucial. The Wildcats must continue to limit turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities to have a chance at upsetting the unbeaten Horned Frogs.