K-State comes into Saturday’s noon clash at Allen Fieldhouse with a record of 7-9 (1-4 in the Big 12); KU is 12-4 (3-2).

Kansas State travels to Lawrence for the first round of the 2025 Sunflower Showdown looking to end an 18-game drought at Allen Fieldhouse.

Cincinnati’s stellar defense will test Kansas. The Jayhawks must be aggressive from the opening tip. KU wants to score inside, and that may not be easy. In addition, KU must play its usual stellar defense and not be afraid to get physical. It’s not necessarily bad if the Jayhawks foul UC, as the Bearcats struggle at the line.