Rapid Recap: Kansas State locking back in for the Sweet 16

KANSAS STATE HAS EYES ON PRIZE

It could be easy for Kansas State to be a little distracted by the bright lights of New York City. After all, it is a homecoming for many of them. All of Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Tykei Greene, Markquis Nowell and Ish Massoud are from The Big Apple.

In fact, it is Nowell’s first trip back home in three years. Tomlin has been to Madison Square Garden before, but it was his first time in the locker room of the New York Knicks. It’s also a dream come true for Greene and Massoud.

But, as K-State head coach Jerome Tang noted, they are not trying to dwell too much on the emotional side and attempting to focus more on advancing to the next round. Instead of doing a lot of the tourist things or making the rounds at familiar places, they want to emphasize winning the basketball game.

CHALLENGES OF MICHIGAN STATE

One question that I made sure to bring up to the contingent from Kansas State was where they felt that could be challenged the most by Michigan State. The Spartans are coming off impressive wins over both USC and Marquette.

That is two high-major wins already for Tom Izzo and the Spartans in the NCAA Tournament. They’ll be gunning for a third when they meet Tang and K-State on Thursday evening.

A common denominator and trend that we heard from the Wildcats was the ability of Michigan State to make shots and really hop out onto the fast break. While they aren’t as big or as imposing as Kentucky, they also do possess the same kind of physicality.

Additionally, they are leery of the Spartan speed as it relates to the fast break and their three-point efficiency. All have been an emphasis of Kansas State headed into their matchup that is just a little 24 hours away.

K-STATE LOCKING BACK IN

Another challenge that could be a roadblock for the Wildcats is their ability to come back down after such an emotional win. They really basked in the glory of the victory over Kentucky at the Greensboro Coliseum and had a heavy celebration.

Accomplishing another goal and reaching the Sweet 16 was a powerful moment for the Kansas State bunch.

From Manhattan, Kansas to the Manhattan in New York, very little time separates their humongous victory in the Round of 32 and their regional semifinal contest versus the Spartans. Are they able to respond and put everything behind them and move forward?

The K-State players do not seem to be concerned. Each that I asked expressed a very confident answer that they ended the celebration relatively quick and made sure to lock in on the opponent and the scouting report even before flying to Madison Square Garden.

Specifically, Keyontae Johnson, Massoud and Tomlin expressed zero concern of a hangover from Kansas State.