Utah Looks to Build Momentum Against Kansas State

After securing its first win in nearly a month, the Utah Runnin’ Utes are set to continue their journey through the Big 12 conference. The team is heading to Manhattan, Kansas, for a crucial matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. MT and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network or listened to on ESPN 700 radio.

This game marks an important step for Utah as they look to capitalize on their recent victory over TCU. The win not only ended a five-game losing streak but also marked the team’s first Big 12 win in over 322 days.

Key Statistics and Highlights

Utah guard Terrence Brown made history during the game against TCU by scoring 26 points in an 82-79 victory. This achievement placed him among elite company in program history, joining players like Andrew Bogut and Keith Van Horn who have recorded 12 or more 20-point games in a single season.

The Runnin’ Utes entered this game allowing 81 points per game, which was the second-most in the Big 12. They also struggled with a 47.2% field goal percentage against opponents, highlighting areas that need improvement.

In terms of national rankings, Utah was ranked No. 121 in the NCAA Evaluation Tool and No. 116 on KenPom.com, both of which were last in the Big 12.

On the other side, Kansas State faced a tough loss to Oklahoma State, dropping them to 0-5 in Big 12 play for the first time since the league’s inception in 1996-97. Despite this, guard PJ Haggerty led the way with 21 points, maintaining his status as the Big 12’s top scorer with an average of 22.8 points per game.

Haggerty also became the first Kansas State player to open a season with 18 consecutive games in double figures since Jacob Pullen in 2010-11. The Wildcats were ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 in 3-pointers made per game (10.3) and No. 4 in success rate from behind the arc (36.8%).

Player Stats and Performance

Points

• Utah: Terrence Brown (21.6 ppg), Don McHenry (18.2 ppg), Keanu Dawes (12.5 ppg)
• Kansas State: PJ Haggerty (22.8 ppg), Abdi Bashir Jr. (13.2 ppg), David Castillo (11.3 ppg)

Assists

• Utah: Terrence Brown (3.9 apg), Keanu Dawes (2.6 apg), Obomate Abbey (2.4 apg)
• Kansas State: PJ Haggerty (4.6 apg), Nate Johnson (4 apg), Abdi Bashir Jr. (2.3 apg)

Rebounds

• Utah: Keanu Dawes (9.1 rpg), James Okonkwo (5.6 rpg), Kendyl Sanders (3.6 rpg)
• Kansas State: PJ Haggerty (5.1 rpg), Nate Johnson (4.9 rpg), Khamari McGriff (4.3 rpg)

3-Point Shooting (min. 2.5 attempts per game, 15 games played)

• Utah: Kendyl Sanders (41.7%; 2.7 attempts), Don McHenry (39.8%; 6.3 attempts), Seydou Traore (34.3%; 4.1 attempts)
• Kansas State: Abdi Bashir Jr. (44.4%; 8.4 attempts), Nate Johnson (39.3%; 4.9 attempts), PJ Haggerty (37.3%; 3.7 attempts)

How to Watch the Game

• Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20
• Game Time: 6 p.m. PT/7 p.m. MT
• Where: Bramlage Coliseum | Manhattan, Kansas
• How to watch (TV): CBS Sports Network
• Radio: ESPN 700

KenPom predicts a close contest, with Kansas State favored to win 88-81.

Fans are encouraged to tune in and witness this key matchup as both teams look to gain momentum in the Big 12.