That #RealLife thing? Yeah, it’s still hammering us. But Slates must go on. Here’s the quick-and-dirty on Friday K-State sports news.
Basketball
K-State was the first team to really put the brakes on Trae Young and the Sooners. Can Bruce’s guys pull it off again? (Kellis Robinett, Eagle) K-State’s pummeling (Matt Galloway’s word, not mine) of the Sooners, in fact, set a blueprint that has been emulated by Big 12 schools, with great success. (Capital-Journal) Coach Weber noted that OU’s offensive system has evolved since their first meeting, and is no longer so dependent on ball screens, though that is still an integral part of their arsenal. (Ryan Black, the Mercury)
Kellis previewed the game, predicting a narrow victory for the ‘Cats in a high-scoring contest. The athletic department provided its preview, as well. K-State has already earned at least a .500 league record, and could ensure a winning conference season if it prevails in Norman.
Finally, though we’ve already been discussing it in the comments, we’ll note that some apparent hard evidence of impermissible benefits to numerous players at various schools was published this morning. Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel and Pat Forde broke the story, with documents that appear to list payments and loans to college players and their families. This report concerns only a single sports agent, so there is surely more dirt to be spilled before this is over.
Women’s Basketball
After suffering three consecutive losses, Jeff Mittie’s club needs a win to get back to .500 on the season. They will try to get it against the Jayhawks Saturday in Bramlage, at 3:00 CT. (Julia Jorns, the Collegian) K-State is 13-14, 5-11 Big 12. KU is 12-15, 3-13, with wins over TCU, Texas Tech and Iowa State. In their first meeting, K-State had to rally to force overtime in Lawrence, before pulling away to win 63-59. The Wildcats lead the all-time series, 71-46, and need to extend their lead if they are to have any chance to play in the post-season.
Women’s Golf
The K-State Women linksters will look to build on successes in the Fall, beginning their Spring season by attempting to defend the team title they earned last year at the Westbrook Spring Invitational in Peoria, Arizona. Play begins with two rounds on Sunday, and concludes with the final 18 holes on Monday.
Baseball
The Wildcats of Summer conclude their east coast journey with a three-game series against Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia. Today’s contest began at 2 p.m. You can hear the games on KMAN 1350 AM or for free through the athletic department website here: Listen Online (free)
Miscellaneous
The “cool kids” who used to hang out near the K-State Union doors to puff on their favorite smoking materials will have to go somewhere else soon. President Richard Myers has announced that smoking will be banned campus-wide, except inside personal vehicles, beginning June 1.
On a self-serving personal note...
It happens that the circumstances of life will be taking me to Moore, Oklahoma this weekend. While there, I will be taking in the game Saturday between Trae Young’s gang and our Wildcats at the Lloyd Noble Center. A friendly request: if you happen to see an old guy in purple being abused and beaten on the west side of the arena, please alert security, will you? I mean, I’ll try to keep my mouth in check. But regular readers know I may or may not succeed at that.