# Kansas State Wildcats Men's Basketball vs. Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball: Match Preview and Predictions ## Rivalry Renewed: Wildcats and Longhorns Clash in Big 12 Showdown The Kansas State Wildcats and Texas Longhorns are set to face off in a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The rivalry between these two programs dates back to 1928, and this latest chapter promises to be an exciting one. ## Wildcats Look to Extend Winning Streak The Wildcats (18-6, 8-4 Big 12) enter the game on a three-game winning streak and are tied for third place in the conference standings. Led by senior guard Markquis Nowell, who averages 16.9 points and 7.6 assists per game, Kansas State has been a surprise team this season. ## Longhorns Aim to Rebound from Loss The Longhorns (19-6, 9-3 Big 12) are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 76-74 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners last Saturday. Texas is led by sophomore forward Dillon Mitchell, who averages 13.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. ## Key Matchups to Watch There are several key matchups to watch in this game, including: - **Markquis Nowell vs. Tyrese Hunter:** The battle between these two point guards will be crucial. Nowell is a dynamic scorer and playmaker, while Hunter is a lockdown defender who can also contribute offensively. - **Keyontae Johnson vs. Timmy Allen:** This matchup between two experienced forwards will be another important one to watch. Johnson is a versatile scorer who can score inside and out, while Allen is a tough defender and rebounder. - **LJ Cryer vs. Dajuan Harris:** The battle between these two guards will be important defensively. Cryer is a strong three-point shooter, while Harris is a quick and aggressive defender. ## Prediction This game is a toss-up on paper, and it could go either way. The Wildcats have been playing well lately, but the Longhorns have the home-court advantage and are hungry to rebound from their loss to Oklahoma. In the end, we predict a close game, with the Longhorns emerging victorious by a score of 78-74.
