A 15-1 start to the season left Oklahoma State looking like an NCAA Tournament lock and conference title contender. The Cowboys have gone just 4-8 since, however, and at the same time Kansas State has ascended to a spot near the top of the conference. With the two programs set to meet, can the Wildcats hand the Cowboys another setback and at the same time boost their own tournament resume?

Hardwood Analysis: Kansas State (20-9, 9-5) vs. Oklahoma State (19-9, 5-8)
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Okla.

Backcourt
The dish: Talk of Oklahoma State's guards has to begin with 6-foot-3 junior JamesOn Curry, one of the Big 12's top scorers (17.3 points per game) and smoothest shooters (40.3 percent from 3-point range). Curry's ability to hurt defenses from the perimeter helps open things up on the block for OSU, and it will be important for Akeem Wright, or whoever matches up with Curry, to keep him from getting hot early. The Cowboys also get solid production from 6-foot-5 sophomore Terrel Harris, who averages just better than 10 points and four rebounds a game. Sophomore point guard Byron Eaton (7.4 points, 3.6 assists) has been in and out of the starting lineup recently and struggles at times finding consistency. With just two contests remaining in the regular season K-State still isn't 100 percent sure as to what it can expect out of its guards game to game. Wright will almost always give a solid defensive effort, but the offense of Wright, Clent Stewart and Lance Harris runs hot and cold. The Wildcats could use solid performances out of Stewart and Harris against an OSU backcourt that has the potential to put up big numbers.
EDGE: OKLAHOMA STATE

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