Bring On The Cats - 2014 Maui InvitationalA Kansas State Wildcats Blog -- Carrying the Banner Highhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47995/bringoncats_fave.png2014-11-26T23:10:57-06:00http://www.bringonthecats.com/rss/stream/70403002014-11-26T23:10:57-06:002014-11-26T23:10:57-06:00K-State vs. Pitt - Men's Hoops Recap
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<img alt="Left it all on the floor against Arizona...brough nothing to the floor against Pitt." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/STvcWVM5fVp8lcc5oxUuEFbF_AA=/0x813:2642x2574/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44240306/usa-today-8229732.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Left it all on the floor against Arizona...brough nothing to the floor against Pitt. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tired isn't an excuse...but it is a reason. K-State finally breaks mentally and physically, and the results weren't pretty.</p> <p>This is going to be a quick one...there's no point in over-analyzing what just went down.</p>
<p>The Kansas State Wildcats (3-3) went into the half down one to the <a href="https://www.cardiachill.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Panthers</a> (4-2), thanks in large part to Thomas Gipson's effort late in the half (finished with 13 pts, 6 reb). Pittsburgh came out of their locker room in the second half; I'm not sure the Wildcats ever did. The Panthers proceeded to body-punch us throughout the first 10 minutes, then stepped on us the last 10. The highlight of the game actually came when Pitt's Hawai'i-native Joshua Ko came in during scrub time, and nailed a three from the top of the key to close the game out. Pittsburgh ended up running a deflated K-State team out of the gym, 70-47.</p>
<p>If any bright spot can be taken away from K-State's performance, we out-rebounded a good rebounding team 32-22, (and allowed only 6 offensive boards, compared to their almost 16 orpg average). Secondarily, we went 15-17 from the FT line, for 88.2% on the night.</p>
<p>To refresh your memory: We started 3-3 last year, and ended up just fine.</p>
<h4>Big Thoughts:</h4>
<p>I only have one thought tonight about that performance, and it surrounds answering the rhetorical question: How can we succeed when we're tired; how do we get more mentally strong?</p>
<p>Coaching shares part of this blame, because we don't run an offense that gets easy buckets without relying on being able to out-athlete the other team. I think its too complex of an offense schematically. It works when its run well, but if you're mentally tired, it's difficult to run it well. If you look at the season as a marathon and not a sprint (sorry - I hate that cliche, but it works), we tend to develop mental toughness through this kind of adversity, as opposed to finding ways of coming into the season with it to begin with.</p>
<p>Considering all our depth, we're actually integrating more parts in than we lost from last year, and that can cause some confusion, but that should be worked on in the off-season. With the practice restrictions and whatnot in place, it definitely puts a premium on experienced on-court leaders and coachable players. Seeing some of the interaction between Bruce and the players in the past three days, I don't know how "coachable" some of these guys are. Sorry...I'm rambling.</p>
<p>I mentioned in the preview - the Arizona game yesterday was not just physically demanding, but it was mentally draining. You might not have been able to pick up on it in the TV cameras; but sitting five rows up tonight, you could see it on their faces. You could see it in their demeanor. Our guys were <i>gassed. </i>Even after Assistant Coach Chester Frazier lit into the group coming into the under-12 timeout in the second half (specifically telling the guys to "grow some f***ing nuts" early in the tirade), the guys came out, played hard for 90 seconds, and fell right back off the train.</p>
<p>Stats that prove we were tired: 15 turnovers, 32.6% FG, 15.4% 3PFG, and giving up 55.3% FG to Pitt. The whole box score reeks of exhaustion.</p>
<h4>Next Up:</h4>
<p>University of Nebraska-Omaha will become initiated to the Octagon of Doom on Tuesday, December 2. What this team needs right now is some rest and refocus. Have some faith, ye Wildcats - we'll be a'ight.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/26/7298141/2014-maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-pitt-game-recapEric Rubottom2014-11-26T18:00:02-06:002014-11-26T18:00:02-06:00K-State vs Pitt Open Thread
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<img alt="Maui waui." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f97FAsYGZrmcmzz5j--Hpc_Lko8=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44236088/usa-today-8229178.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Maui waui. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a valiant effort last night, the Wildcats close out their trip against the Three Rivers boys.</p> <table class="schedule-table"><tbody> <tr><td colspan="5" class="day_break">Wed, Nov 25, 2014<br>Lahaina Civic Center, Maui</td></tr> <tr> <td>6:30 PM CT<br><img class="tv_logo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png"> </td> <td> <a href="http://www.bringonthecats.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/127/large_bringonthecats.com.minimal.png">Kansas State</a> (3-2, 0-0 Big 12)</td> <td>vs</td> <td></td> <td> <a href="http://www.cardiachill.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/325/large_cardiachill.com.minimal.png">Pittsburgh</a> (3-2, 0-0 ACC)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Lahaina, Hawai'i | Lahaina Civic Center (2,400)</p>
<p><strong>Media:</strong> <a href="http://1350kman.com">1350 KMAN</a> | ESPN</p>
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<p>Missed opportunities. They're the bete noire of K-State athletics, it seems. Last night we got another one, although we at least have one takeaway: this team actually is pretty good. But in the end, it's that hyphenated pair of numbers that determine your fate, and last night added a spot to the L column.</p>
<p>As a result, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bringonthecats.com/">K-State</a> now plays for third place in the Maui Invitational against a team that, surprisingly, they've never faced before in Jamie Dixon's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cardiachill.com/">Pitt Panthers</a>. The two teams are on a remarkably similar trajectory; both won a couple of bodybag games at home, then traveled west and lost a true road game on the way to Maui. Then they beat up an overmatched opponent in the tournament's first round before falling against a ranked opponent in the semis.</p>
<p>The difference? K-State barely lost to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona</a>, while Pitt got dumped hard by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/san-diego-st-aztecs">San Diego State</a>. As a result, K-State finds themselves a solid favorite tonight, but not so solid that we can expect a cakewalk. Let's just hope we can get some offense from somewhere other than Wichita Falls and that the guys start crashing the boards.</p>
<p>Go Cats!</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014/11/26/7295447/2014-maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-pittsburgh-open-threadJon Morse2014-11-26T13:00:03-06:002014-11-26T13:00:03-06:00K-State vs. Pitt - Men's Hoops Preview
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<img alt="There's swagger...then there's #FosterSwagger" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qKXlkq1jjHegwjHxw2kX2bPKA9I=/152x0:3420x2179/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44235736/479989701.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>There's swagger...then there's #FosterSwagger | Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The island tournament wraps up competition today with a full slate of games; K-State takes on Pitt for 3rd place.</p> <p>The 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational comes to a close today, with final round games all day at the Lahaina Civic Center. K-State will enter into the ring with the <a href="https://www.cardiachill.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Panthers</a> at 2:30pm local time (6:30pm in Manhattan), scrapping it out for a 3rd place finish in the tournament.</p>
<p>To get here, K-State upended Purdue 88-79 in the opening game, dropped yesterday's heartbreaker 72-68 to Arizona. Pitt defeated Chaminade in the opening round 81-68, and lost to San Diego State 74-57. Rest and bench depth will be more important than usual in this game for both teams, with this game the third in as many days.</p>
<p>Head Coach Bruce Weber opined after the Arizona loss yesterday:</p>
<blockquote>
<pre>"Well, you come to these tournaments to play against good competition if on a neutral floor and learn about your team. I think we've made a lot of progress since last Friday. I've asked them to have an urgency, and I think we've done that. We've competed. We've played hard. Now we've got to do some little things, some execution and get better on that part."</pre>
</blockquote>
<p>I agree wholeheartedly with Bruce. We've seen a lot more fight, a lot more "want to" out of the squad since Friday's loss to Long Beach. It was the little things that kept us from victory yesterday against Arizona, and it will be the little things that hinder us against any good team.</p>
<p>On a related note, I just ran into Weber in the hotel this morning. Some small talk, but he offered:</p>
<blockquote>
<pre>"It's so loud in that gym. The guys couldn't even hear me yesterday. And the scenery outside of the game isn't bad, either."</pre>
</blockquote>
<h4><b>Know Your Opponent</b></h4>
<p>Pittsburgh (3-2) comes in picked to finish 6th in the ever-expanding ACC this year. The Panthers have suffered a bit of the same fate as us, as they came over to Hawai'i early to play a non-conference road game - and were knocked off by Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors 74-70 in Wailuku. Head Coach Steve Fisher of SDSU said in postgame yesterday:</p>
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<pre>"...we fought like crazy on the glass. They're (Pitt) a very good offensive rebounding team, and they showed it again tonight. You look at the total 17, and its hard to keep them off the glass."</pre>
</blockquote>
<p>HC Jamie Dixon has these guys playing hard, but they are certainly mistake prone against a ratcheted-up defense. The Panthers went through a three-possession stretch where they didn't get a shot off in any trip down the floor, and committed 17 turnovers against SDSU last night. Pitt will chuck the ball up from deep as much as anyone - in fact, K-State and Pitt have both attempted 82 three's on the season - and those that do shoot it from outside aren't bad shooters. Tempo-wise, they're a little bit slower team, so they could be pressured into more mistakes if we get the game sped up.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><i>Keep a close watch on:</i></b></h5>
<p>Sophomore forward <span>Michael Young</span> and junior guard <span>James Robinson</span>. Young is leading Pitt in both scoring (15.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.6 rpg). Young crashes the offensive glass hard, averaging over 4 offensive rebounds per contest. Robinson carries both scoring and distribution responsibilities, averaging 12.4 ppg, 5.8 apg, and even chips in almost 4 rebounds per contest. Robinson paced all scorers in their loss to SDSU with 17.</p>
<h5><b><i>Offense/Defense Strategy:</i></b></h5>
<p>The Panthers threw both man-to-man and a 2-3 zone at SDSU to try and keep them from scoring. According to Dixon, neither worked. I won't disagree. We need to be more efficient with our motion against the man. If Pitt does pull the zone out, we need to see much better side-to-side action with the ball, and get that back-end freed up for Foster/Edwards going to the lob, or Nino and Iwundu on baseline drives.</p>
<p>We did see a couple of 2-3 zone possessions from the Wildcat defense yesterday, but expect a steady diet of in-your-face man defense today. Their performance against SDSU last night proved Pitt can't shoot the ball well - they can't even run their offense - if they're being harassed constantly.</p>
<h4><b>Probable Starters</b></h4>
<h5><i>Kansas State:</i></h5>
<p>F <span>Nino Williams</span>, 6-5 220 Sr<br>F <span>Thomas Gipson</span>, 6-7 265 Sr<br>F <span>Wesley Iwundu</span>, 6-7 195 So<br>G <span>Jevon Thomas</span>, 6-0 185 So<br>G <span>Marcus Foster</span>, 6-3 210 So</p>
<h5><i>University of Pittsburgh:</i></h5>
<p>F <span>Jamel Artis</span>, 6-7 220 So<br>F Michael Young, 6-9 235 So<br>F <span>Derrick Randall</span>, 6-9 240 Sr<br>G James Robinson, 6-3 198 Jr<br>G <span>Chris Jones</span>, 6-6 213 So</p>
<h4><b>3 Keys To The Game</b></h4>
<p>#EMAW is a 5-point favorite. I don't think it'll be that close if we play with the passion we had against Arizona.</p>
<h5><b><i>1. Little Things.</i></b></h5>
<p>Go re-read that quote by Bruce (above). Sharper execution, timing on offense, earlier defensive rotation, and fundamental rebounding. Take care of those things, and this game should go pretty smoothly.</p>
<h5><b><i>2. Defensive Rebounding.</i></b></h5>
<p>Right now, we're not a very good rebounding team, with 30.4 rpg. That puts us at 311th in the country. The team we're playing today has 77 offensive rebounds on the season - <i>nearly 16 a game</i>. Fundamentals in rebounding will be very important; find a guy, get inside position, keep them on your backside, and go get the ball. They're not a great offensive team, so giving Pitt more than one chance per possession will just allow them to remain in the game.</p>
<h5><b><i>3. Don't Let Yesterday Beat You Today.</i></b></h5>
<p>Said this after the loss at Long Beach, but for an entirely different reason. Yesterday's loss to Arizona was hard-fought. It was both physically and emotionally draining. And it leaves that gut-wrenching feeling in your soul of "what coulda been". We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We need to come out with focus, determination, enthusiasm, and go grab that victory today with both hands.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/26/7294575/2014-maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-pittsburgh-panthers-gameEric Rubottom2014-11-26T12:15:39-06:002014-11-26T12:15:39-06:00K-State vs Pitt: How to watch and more
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<img alt="Hard to believe the Wildcats and Panthers have never played." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QvyRNWMFmUpkBayj63jD1klhU_E=/0x208:3264x2384/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44235818/usa-today-8227756.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hard to believe the Wildcats and Panthers have never played. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a heartbreaking missed chance at a signature win last night, the Wildcats conclude their Pacific sojourn against someone entirely new.</p> <table class="schedule-table">
<tbody>
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<td colspan="5" class="day_break">Tue, Nov 24, 2014<br>Lahaina Civic Center, Maui</td>
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<td>6:30 PM CT<br><img class="tv_logo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png">
</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.bringonthecats.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/127/large_bringonthecats.com.minimal.png">Kansas State</a> (3-2, 0-0 Big 12)</td>
<td>vs</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.cardiachill.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/325/large_cardiachill.com.minimal.png">Pittsburgh</a> (3-2, 0-0 ACC)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
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<p class="slate-intro">Man, that stings. The (good) Wildcats came so, so close to knocking off the number two team in the nation last night, and how they have to rebound on 24 hours notice. One thing we can point to plaguing the 'Cats this year, it's this stat: Kansas State is 311th in the nation in rebounding. Is that bad?</p>
</section>
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<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> The Opposition <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container">
<a href="http://www.cardiachill.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Pittsburgh Panthers blog Cardiac Hill</a>
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<p><b>The game</b>: <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas State</a> takes on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cardiachill.com/">Pittsburgh Panthers</a> in the consolation game of the EA Sports Maui Invitational. This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs.</p>
<p><b>Odds</b>: Last night's loss seems to have impressed Las Vegas, as the 'Cats are now shining: they're ranked 24th in OddsShark's power ranking. The result of this: K-State is favored by 5 tonight.</p>
<p><b>Tipoff</b>: Wednesday, November 25 at 6:30pm CT, Lahaina Civic Center (2,400) in Maui, Hawai'i.</p>
<p><b>Tickets</b>: Tickets for tonight's consolation game are available via <a href="http://www.ticketswest.com" target="new">Tickets West</a> for $75.</p>
<p><b>Television</b>: ESPN with Sean McDonough and Fran Fraschilla.</p>
<p><b>Radio</b>: K-State Sports Network, with Wyatt Thompson and Matt Walters. The game doesn't appear to be available on satellite tonight.</p>
<p><b>Online</b>: The K-State radio feed of tonight's game does NOT appear to be available via streaming audio! We'll let you know if that changes. However, the Pitt feed with Bill Hillgrove and Marcus Bowman is available via <a href="http://tunein.com/radio/937-The-Fan-s27728/" target="new">93.7 The Fan</a> in Pittsburgh. Live stats via <a href="javascript:window.open('http://www.kstatesports.com/gametracker/launch?event=1357497&school=ksu&sport=mbaskbl&','GameTrackerv3','');%20void(0);" target="new">GameTracker</a>.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/26/7295179/2014-maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-pittsburgh-game-time-tv-infoJon Morse2014-11-25T22:45:57-06:002014-11-25T22:45:57-06:00K-State vs. Arizona - Men's Hoops Recap
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<img alt="One of those "easy buckets" I spoke of earlier today in the preview." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aft2u02zCLyxddUkjItgiVBwRNI=/40x0:5323x3522/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44232244/usa-today-8229179.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>One of those "easy buckets" I spoke of earlier today in the preview. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here's all you need to know: Awwwwwwwwww... crud.</p>
<p>If you want to know more, read on.</p> <p>It was *thisclose*.</p>
<p>No moral victories on this afternoon, though. No coulda, shoulda, wouldas. Kansas State (3-2) couldn't quite pull the upset on the #3 (AP) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Wildcats</a>, dropping a heartbreaker 72-68 in their second round game of the 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational. Our Cats put up a yeoman's effort in jumping out to an early 5-point lead, relenquishing to go down one at the half. Down by as many as 8 in the second half, K-State clawed their way back to two with possession, and proceeded to go through four empty possessions down the stretch, and just couldn't...quite...close it out. I kinda sorta figured a game in the 60s or 70s would end up like this, though.</p>
<p>Of note: we shot 58% from three (above average), 71% from the FT line (above average), and committed only 11 turnovers (below average). Watching in realtime, if that Arizona squad truly is the #3 team in the country right now, the Big 12 is going to be a tough, tough league this year.</p>
<h4>Big Thoughts:</h4>
<h5>Size Doesn't Matter:</h5>
<p>Similar to Purdue, Arizona was able to throw two different true seven-footers at us, and while <span>Kaleb Tarczewski</span> did finish with 18 pts, the combination of 6-7 <span>Thomas Gipson</span>, 6-5 <span>Nino Williams</span>, 6-11 <span>Stephen Hurt</span>, and 6-7 <span>Malek Harris</span> were at least able to keep pace in the paint with 24 points of their own, and held Tarczewski to 3 rebounds total.</p>
<p>Arizona Head Coach Sean Miller had this to say:</p>
<pre>"I'll also tell you this; Thomas Gipson is very good as well. I mean, he's a load...One of the keys to our victory tonight was his (Tarczewski) really good defense on 42."</pre>
<h5>Empty Possessions:</h5>
<p>Ultimately (we're not getting into officiating here), K-State couldn't close it out because of a handful of untimely empty possessions. Just looking at the last 2:36 of regulation, where Foster cuts the score to 66-64 Arizona with a deep three, here is the rundown of the K-State possessions:</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p>2:14 Nino Williams missed jumper. [good look]</p>
<p>1:08 <span>Marcus Foster</span> turnover. [traveling]</p>
<p>0:29 Nino Williams missed jumper. [good look]</p>
<p><i>0:23 Two Arizona free throws. [Arizona goes up 4]</i></p>
<p>0:22 <span>Wesley Iwundu</span> turnover. [bad pass]</p>
<p><i>0:18 One Arizona free throw. [Arizona goes up 5]</i></p>
<p>0:13 Marcus Foster made three point jumper. [Arizona up 2, again]</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, the frustrating part wasn't so much the missed jumpers by Nino, as much as the turnover by Iwundu under the Arizona bucket <i>off a freakin' called time out.</i> Inexcusable. We HAVE to get those kind of things cleaned up.</p>
<p><b>Foster - Hawaiian for "Player":</b></p>
<p>Marcus came up big in big spots tonight, I believe earning ESPN's "Player Of The Game" status in the losing effort. Foster put up 23 points on 7-14 from the floor (6-9 3pfg), and 3-4 from the line. Foster was the class of the game scoring the basketball, though the combined efforts of Tarczewski, Stanley Johnson (14 pts, 7 reb), <span>Brandon Ashley</span> (10 pts, 5 reb), and <span>Gabe York</span> (15 pts) was a little too much for #EMAW to bear.</p>
<p>Sean Miller on Foster:</p>
<pre>"Respect isn't a good enough word to describe how we categorize him as a player...Obviously, one heck of a player, and he proved that tonight."</pre>
<h4>Next Up:</h4>
<p>We'll be playing the loser of the #15 San Diego State vs. Pittsburgh game being played immediately after our game. At half, Pitt down to SDSU 39-25. Next contest will be at 2:30 p.m. local, 6:30 p.m. in Manhattan, on ESPN.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/25/7290461/kansas-state-vs-3-arizona-wildcats-game-recapEric Rubottom2014-11-25T18:00:03-06:002014-11-25T18:00:03-06:00K-State vs Arizona Open Thread
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<img alt="On the bright side, K-State did already beat a team whcih beat Missouri..." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G7TNcyj8HmX21RM1tnZyQBJCtgk=/0x58:3014x2067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44224864/usa-today-8226863.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>On the bright side, K-State did already beat a team whcih beat Missouri... | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Buckle up for what could, in theory, be the toughest game Kansas State faces this season -- yes, even tougher than that game down the river.</p> <table class="schedule-table"><tbody> <tr><td colspan="5" class="day_break">Tue, Nov 24, 2014<br>Lahaina Civic Center, Maui</td></tr> <tr> <td>6:30 PM CT<br><img class="tv_logo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png"> </td> <td> <a href="http://www.bringonthecats.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/127/large_bringonthecats.com.minimal.png">Kansas State</a> (3-1, 0-0 Big 12)</td> <td>vs</td> <td></td> <td> <a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/196/large_azdesertswarm.com.minimal.png"><strong>(3)</strong> Arizona</a> (4-0, 0-0 Pac-12)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
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<p><strong>Where:</strong> Lahaina, Hawai'i | Lahaina Civic Center (2,400)</p>
<p><strong>Media:</strong> <a href="http://1350kman.com">1350 KMAN</a> | ESPN</p>
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<p>Last night saw a fantastic opening 20 minutes followed by a not-so fantastic, but still adequate, second half. That sort of thing won't cut it tonight as the Wildcats go up against the third-ranked team in the country.</p>
<p>This is exactly the sort of game which can turn into an embarrassing blowout if some of K-State's most glaring deficiencies become a trend. The Wildcats will have to count on tonight not being one of those nights where passes fly into the ether, where shots completely miss the rigging, and where bad decisions to drive the lane seem epidemic.</p>
<p>Of course, that sounds woefully pessimistic. The good news is that when this team is on its game, Arizona is a beatable opponent. But is this iteration of K-State basketball prepared yet for that sort of performance?</p>
<p>Tonight, we find out. Go Cats!</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014/11/25/7281089/maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-arizona-open-game-threadJon Morse2014-11-25T12:44:42-06:002014-11-25T12:44:42-06:00K-State vs. Arizona - Mens Hoops Preview
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<figcaption>Love the shirt, bro. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The game will certainly be tough-going for the guys in purple, but a K-State win would be a crown jewel come resume-time in March.</p> <p>The 2014 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational continues today, with the second round games at the Lahaina Civic Center on the beautiful west side of the island. For winning yesterday's contest with Purdue, K-State will now take on the #3 <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Wildcats</a> at 2:30pm local time.</p>
<p>K-State leads the all-time with Arizona, 8-5, but Arizona has won the last two meetings. K-State upended Purdue 88-79 in the opening game, and Arizona got to this game by defeating Mizzou 72-53 in the second game yesterday. Both teams were able to get back to the hotel, get some rest and recovery, and should be ready to go this afternoon.</p>
<p>Winner of this game will take on the winner of Pitt-San Diego State tomorrow evening for the championship; the other two will play for 3rd/4th.</p>
<p><b style="font-size: 1.25em;">Know Your Opponent</b></p>
<p>Arizona (4-0) comes in ranked #3 in the AP Top 25 (slipped a spot from #2 because of an absent ballot, apparently), and has had little difficulty winning games to this point. Head Coach Sean Miller said in postgame yesterday:</p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<pre><span>But that initial surge out of the gate, </span><span>playing really well on both ends, I don't know if </span><span>we've really done that yet, which I can also flip it </span><span>and make that a positive. Because like every team </span><span>at this time of year, you're in search of getting </span><span>better and improving.</span></pre>
<pre><span><br></span></pre>
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<p>So, that's kind of scary. Look for Arizona to come out with more intensity and really try to step on us from the get-go. I think Arizona knows - if they let us hang around like they did Mizzou yesterday, the outcome might not be in their favor.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6pt; line-height: 12pt;"><b><i>Keep a close watch on:</i></b></h5>
<p>Freshman forward and McDonalds All-American Stanley Johnson, junior forward <span>Brandon Ashley</span> and sophomore guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. All are coming off solid outings yesterday, with Johnson contributing all-around (14 pts, 4 reb, 3 stl, 2 ast in 29 minutes) and Ashley pouring in 15 pts in 25 minutes. Hollis-Jefferson is a starter-quality player coming in off the bench at around the first media timeout - and was player-of-the-game material with 15 pts, 6 reb in 23 minutes.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 5;"><b><i>Offense/Defense Strategy:</i></b></h5>
<p>Man-to-man defense is what it looks like our Wildcats will be running up against. Arizona really gets out and pressures the passing lanes (forced Mizzou into 17 turnovers), and have two seven-footers and another 6-10 senior that can anchor the back end of that defense. Scoring will require sharp execution of our motion offense, and maybe isolation with Foster using ball-screens to get open. I like the chances of Big Gip or Hurt going up against their interior one-on-one, but it has to happen quickly before perimeter defense can help.</p>
<p>We'll throw our man-to-man at them, but their offense is very methodical (one of the slowest but most efficient teams in the Pac 12, pace-adjusted), and they take care of the basketball (11 topg). We're not going to be able to live through the defensive lapses that we saw yesterday against the Boilermakers. Arizona isn't a stellar three-point-shooting team (32.8% on the season), so getting a hand up on perimeter shooters while containing the drive will be important.</p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 4;"><b>Probable Starters</b></h4>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt;"><i>Kansas State:</i></h5>
<p>F <span>Nino Williams</span>, 6-5 220 Sr<br>F <span>Thomas Gipson</span>, 6-7 265 Sr<br>F <span>Wesley Iwundu</span>, 6-7 195 So<br> G <span>Jevon Thomas</span>, 6-0 185 So<br> G <span>Marcus Foster</span>, 6-3 210 So</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt;"><i>University of Arizona:</i></h5>
<p>F Stanley Johnson, 6-7 245 Fr<br>F Brandon Ashley, 6-9 230 Jr<br>C <span>Kaleb Tarczewski</span>, 7-0 245 Jr<br>G <span>Gabe York</span>, 6-3 185 Jr<br>G <span>T.J. McConnell</span>, 6-1 195 Sr</p>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 4;"><b>3 Keys To The Game</b></h4>
<p>Let's sit back and enjoy this game. Arizona is a 10.5-point favorite.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 5;"><b><i>1. Execute, execute, execute.</i></b></h5>
<p>We're going to have to be nearly perfect to win this one. Arizona doesn't have the team to run us out of the gym, but they do have the team to make it impossible to come back from a 10-point deficit. We have to play our brand of basketball with our usual swagger, but being careless with the ball, undisciplined on defense, and not rebounding the ball on misses will put us in a bad position.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 5;"><b><i>2. Don't force the issue.</i></b></h5>
<p>Even yesterday, we saw Foster, JT, and a handful of others forcing the issue early. Again, we can't afford to go down early, because we know Arizona will ramp up as the game goes along. We need to get settled in and comfortable right away. I would expect a little cleaner game today, now that both teams have a game under their belt out here.</p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 12.0pt; mso-outline-level: 5;"><b><i>3. Speed the game up.</i></b></h5>
<p>Arizona is going to try to make us make mistakes on the offensive end, then slow the game down on their end of the floor. We need to pressure on defense and create turnovers and get more possessions in the game. They're such an efficient team at reduced possessions, I think the more chances we get, the better our chances are. This is decidedly un-Bruce Weber-like, and I could certainly be wrong, but I think if this game is played in the high 60s or 70s, we've got a very slim margin. If the game gets up into the 80s or higher, that margin becomes more favorable for us.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/25/7282731/2014-maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-arizona-wildcats-game-previewEric Rubottom2014-11-25T10:55:31-06:002014-11-25T10:55:31-06:00K-State vs Arizona: how to watch and more
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<figcaption>And we catch grief over Willie? | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Arizona did to Missouri over 40 minutes what K-State did to Purdue over the first 20. Can the good guys survive tonight's cat fight?</p> <table class="schedule-table">
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<td colspan="5" class="day_break">Tue, Nov 24, 2014<br>Lahaina Civic Center, Maui</td>
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<td>6:30 PM CT<br><img class="tv_logo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3304155/espn_in_hd.png">
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<a href="http://www.bringonthecats.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/127/large_bringonthecats.com.minimal.png">Kansas State</a><br>(3-1, 0-0 Big 12)</td>
<td>vs</td>
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<a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/" target="_blank"><img class="teamlogo" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/blog/sbnu_logo_minimal/196/large_azdesertswarm.com.minimal.png"><b>(3)</b> Arizona</a> (4-0, 0-0 Pac-12)</td>
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<section class="s-intro">
<p class="slate-intro">After a brilliant 20 minutes followed by 20 minutes of Mister Toad's Wild Ride, the Wildcats emerged with a first-round victory last night. That, however, was against a team that'll be lucky to reach the NIT this year. Tonight, the test is just a little bit more stressful -- but a win would make a resounding statement of intent.</p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> The Opposition <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Arizona Wildcats blog Arizona Desert Swarm</a>
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<p><b>The game</b>: <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas State</a> takes on the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals of the EA Sports Maui Invitational. The Wildcats lead the all-time series with Arizona 8-5, although the blue and red Wildcats have won the last two meetings.</p>
<p><b>Odds</b>: Arizona is a 10.5 point favorite. On the bright side, K-State did beat the spread by 11 points last night, so if they do that again, they'll win!</p>
<p><b>Tipoff</b>: Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30pm CT, Lahaina Civic Center (2,400) in Maui, Hawai'i.</p>
<p><b>Tickets</b>: Did you go to Hawai'i expecting K-State to lose yesterday? If so, tickets for tonight's semifinal can be had through <a href="http://www.ticketswest.com" target="new">Tickets West</a> for $95.</p>
<p><b>Television</b>: ESPN with Sean McDonough and Fran Fraschilla.</p>
<p><b>Radio</b>: K-State Sports Network, with Wyatt Thompson and Matt Walters. The game will also be on Sirius/XM 84.</p>
<p><b>Online</b>: <a href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/?channel=espn&launchPlayer=true&gnum=12467&s=cb&os=1" target="new">WatchESPN</a>. Free audio streaming via <a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/collegesportslive/?media=474417" target="new">KStateHD.tv</a>. Live stats via <a href="javascript:window.open('http://www.kstatesports.com/gametracker/launch?event=1351212&school=ksu&sport=mbaskbl&','GameTrackerv3','');%20void(0);" target="new">GameTracker</a>.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014-15-k-state-mens-basketball/2014/11/25/7280457/maui-invitational-kansas-state-vs-arizona-game-time-tv-info-radioJon Morse