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Jan 28, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) celebrates with guard Ochai Agbaji (30) after scoring against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 28, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Marcus Garrett (0) celebrates with guard Ochai Agbaji (30) after scoring against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA basketball returns with a classic rivalry game. The Kansas Jayhawks host their city rivals, the Kansas State Wildcats, at Allen Fieldhouse at 8 pm EST tonight. It is their first meeting of the season, and they play again later this month at the Wildcats’ arena.
The Jayhawks are surprisingly still ranked in the Top-25, despite having recorded just 1 win in their last 5 games. Out of which 2 losses have come against the unranked Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys. With an 11-6 record currently, it has been an underwhelming campaign for the Jayhawks so far.
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The Wildcats are also suffering a miserable season. Their current record is 5-13 and they remain winless in their last 8 games.
They haven’t won a single game in 2021 and will be hoping to change that tonight, but their record against ranked teams paints a troubling image.
NCAA Basketball: Can the Kansas Jayhawks build momentum with a win tonight?
Freshman guard Bryce Thompson is still on the sidelines for the Jayhawks. The 5-star prospect has missed their last 4 games and is yet to recover from his finger injury. But the rest of the team is all set for the game.
They are likely to start with Marcus Garrett, Ochai Agbaji, and Christian Braun as their guards, and Dajuan Harris Jr and David McCormack as their forwards.
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Jan 9, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks forward David McCormack (33) is congratulated by guard Ochai Agbaji (30) after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
For the Wildcats, they could have a serious problem if Dajuan Gordon misses the game. He left Saturday’s game with a leg injury, but there is no update on his recovery. Montavious Murphy’s knee injury rules him out for the season, but the rest of the team will be raring to go.
Their lineup could feature Mike McGuirl, Selton Miguel, and Nijel Pack as their guards, while Kaosi Ezeagu and Davion Bradford feature as their forwards.
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Jan 27, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard Mike McGuirl (00) passes the ball as Baylor Bears guard MaCio Teague (31) defends during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
With both teams thirsting for a win, it will certainly be a heavily contested affair. The Wildcats will try their best, but ultimately should be able to come away with the win.
They have been struggling a lot but they should be able to overcome the Wildcats. Otherwise, it will be an embarrassing defeat that will usher them out of the Top-25 of the AP Poll.
