About Kansas State:
To describe the Bruce Weber Era accurately, you have to go through some highs and lows during his 9 years. The highs have been 2 Big 12 regular season championships, 5 NCAA tournament appearances, and 1 magical run to the Elite 8. The lows haven't been very pretty however and right now, they are in the middle of one right now. After a 25 win season in 2018-19, they couldn't get to 25 wins in 2 seasons combined! The wheels have completely fallen off the past two years. However, the program appears to be building something with a crop of young players, ready to make a move back up the rugged Big 12. So far this year, a pair of 8 point losses to a ranked Arkansas and Illinois squads, and two wins against Omaha and Florida A & M.
About Bruce Weber (485-287 overall record, 172-132 at KSU, 76-86 in the Big 12
The Former SIU and Illinois head coach is certainly putting a resume that could one day land him in the College Basketball Hall of Fame. He has taken all 3 of his teams to at least the Sweet 16 and nearly won it all with the Illini in 2004-05. His 3rd act at KSU certainly has had its moments. 5 trips to the NCAA tournament and a trip to the Elite 8. All of which has been good, expect a few issues. Outside of that Elite 8 run, no NCAA tournament wins. He took over the program from a popular coach (Frank Martin), and while has done well, hasn't matched the NCAA tournament success that Martin had. Lastly, the last two years have been rough with bottom of the barrel finishes in the Big 12. The good news, it is a young squad and can improve. However, that improvement needs to start happening.
Key Player: Nijel Pack (Sophomore Guard, 6' 180)
After a solid freshman campaign, the young guard continues to impress and should make his way onto some All Big 12 post-season squads if he can keep the numbers up. So far this season, he is averaging 15.5 ppg and averaging close to 3 assists and 3 rebounds. His shooting has looked better, shooting near 50% from the field and 43% from 3. He is also perfect from the free throw line (albeit it 9 of 9). The guards are going to have their hands full.
Series History:
KSU has an 2-0 lead against UND
Keys:
1) Play a good 40
2) Get the shooters going again
3) Handle the size down low
4) Stay out of foul trouble Bigs.
The Call:
If this was a more seasoned UND team, I would give them a halfway shot of going into the Ocatgon and getting a win. However, I think this is a team that is still figuring things out and hopefully a few days rest at home and to heal up some nagging injuries. I think they keep taking steps forward on both ends of the floor, but Kansas State will do just enough.
KSU 77-64
Game is on ESPN+