Wichita State Shockers vs Kansas State Wildcats Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Kansas State, Wichita State out to halt skids before break

“The difference between a Christmas and a Merry Christmas is a win,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang likes to say. For Kansas State Wildcats and Wichita State Shockers, their final game before the holiday break offers an opportunity to turn recent struggles into a celebration.

On Saturday evening, Kansas State travels down Interstate 135 to face Wichita State. Both teams, currently on two-game losing streaks, will be eager to close out this stretch with a victory. The stakes are high as they look to carry momentum into the new year.

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Both Teams Fighting to Rebound

Neither team enters the matchup in peak form. Wichita State (8-3) is coming off back-to-back losses to DePaul on the road and Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) at home. Kansas State (6-4) also faced heartbreak, falling to St. John’s and then dropping a close overtime game against Drake in Kansas City.

For the Shockers, their loss to UMKC was particularly troubling. It marked their worst shooting night of the season, with the team connecting on just 3 of 19 attempts from 3-point range. Despite a second-half rally, they couldn’t recover from a 23-point deficit, ultimately falling 74-64. On the bright side, Xavier Bell scored a game-high 21 points and reached the milestone of 1,000 career points during the game, while Justin Hill added 12.

Kansas State also dealt with a tough loss, narrowly missing a win against Drake in overtime. After falling behind 29-9 early, the Wildcats rallied to lead in the second half but ultimately lost 73-70 after Drake’s Bennett Stirtz hit a game-winning 3-pointer in overtime. Coleman Hawkins was a standout for the Wildcats, delivering 16 points, five assists, four steals, two blocks, and five rebounds.

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Coaching Connections Add Depth

This game isn’t just about the players. The matchup features a reunion of sorts for the two head coaches. Wichita State’s Paul Mills and Kansas State’s Jerome Tang were both assistant coaches at Baylor, where they developed a close relationship. Now, they find themselves on opposite sidelines.

“I’m glad we get to play here,” Mills said of the home-court advantage. “I anticipate a really good crowd. They have a good basketball team, and we’re in for a heck of a fight on Saturday.”

Tang echoed the respect, emphasizing the challenge ahead: “They’re a well-coached team. They get to come home and play in front of their crowd, and they’re going to be fired up.”

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Keys to the Game

1. Wichita State: Rediscover Offensive Rhythm

The Shockers’ shooting woes against UMKC underscore the need for a more efficient offense. Look for Wichita State to rely on Xavier Bell’s scoring ability and contributions from Hill to spark their attack. Home-court advantage could also play a significant role in boosting their confidence.

2. Kansas State: Avoid Slow Starts

The Wildcats’ sluggish first half against Drake highlighted a recurring issue. To succeed against Wichita State, Kansas State must come out strong from the tip-off. Coleman Hawkins will be a key player to watch; his all-around performance against Drake suggests he could be a game-changer.

3. Crowd Impact

Wichita State’s fans at Charles Koch Arena will likely create an electric atmosphere, giving the Shockers an edge. Kansas State will need to manage the pressure and focus on execution to stay in the game.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are determined to head into the holiday break on a high note. For Kansas State, a win would snap their two-game skid and boost morale heading into conference play. For Wichita State, protecting their home court and ending their slump would reaffirm their strong start to the season.

Predicted Highlights

• Xavier Bell continues to lead Wichita State, aiming to build on his milestone performance.
• Coleman Hawkins’ versatility could prove pivotal for Kansas State, especially in a close game.
• Coaching strategies will be key as Mills and Tang match wits, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.

Conclusion

This matchup promises intensity and excitement as two teams hungry for redemption clash before the holiday break. Will Kansas State overcome their road struggles, or will Wichita State rally behind their home crowd? Fans can expect a fiercely contested game with no shortage of drama.

As Coach Tang might say, the difference between a tough December and a triumphant one is just one win.