Kansas State vs. Loyola Chicago: NCAA Tournament game preview, schedule and prediction

Keys Players for Kansas State

Even if Wade plays some (he made an appearance in the first half against Kentucky), it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to provide much more on Saturday. So I’ll look at the healthy players for the Wildcats.

Barry Brown JR Guard

He’s the second-leading scorer for the season but has been the most valuable Wildcat in my opinion. When the starting point guard for Kansas State went out, he became the defacto ball handler.

In the NCAA Tournament, he’s averaging 16.5 ppg and providing some of the only offense for the team at times. He hasn’t shot the ball well but has gotten to the line a ton, going 19/23 so far.

Xavier Sneed SO Wing

What makes Sneed so dangerous for Loyola to deal with is his explosiveness on occasion. Against Kentucky, he led all scorers with 22 points, while making 5/8 from three-point range. He only averages around 11 ppg for the season but has five other 20 point games. In what’s likely to be a game in the 60’s, a role player going off can change the tide.

Makol Mawien FR Forward

Despite having zero points and fouling out against Kentucky, the 6’9 freshman played as well one can expect versus a team with so much size and length. But don’t be fooled by his overall stats, Mawien has a developing offensive game, evident by his 29 point game against Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament. And with Wade out if it, he’s the only true big the Wildcats have as well.