Kansas State Win Over Baylor Important For Fans As Well As Wildcat Team

Coming off a successful football season K-State fans had felt somewhat let down by the basketball teams performance this year. A road victory against Baylor has now changed that and given Wildcats fans a breath of fresh air.

Kansas State 'Should Lock Up' NCAA Tournament Spot After Upset Win Over Baylor

The USA Today took a look back at college basketball games over the weekend and declared Kansas State the biggest winners as the Wildcats went on the road at Waco and upset the Baylor Bears, who were ranked No. 9, with a 57-56 win. While Missouri is K-State’s biggest win of the season, the Baylor one falls close behind and Nicole Auerbach says there’s no doubts about the Wildcats’ post-season destination at this point.

She writes, "The Wildcats got a win in the middle of the toughest part of their schedule. Beating Baylor on the road should just about lock up Kansas State’s spot in the field (barring a total collapse). Wildcats now have wins over Baylor, Missouri, Alabama, Texas and Long Beach State. Those are some quality Top 50 wins right there."

Jeff Borzello of CBS agrees and writes, "I wrote last week that Kansas State needed to get one its "big three" games: Kansas, Baylor and Missouri ... They now own wins over Missouri and Baylor, along with decent scalps against Alabama, Texas and Long Beach State. Moreover, today's win will likely vault Kansas State into the top 50 of the RPI, where it's a lot more comfortable. At 7-7 in the Big 12, the Wildcats are in much better shape than they were this morning. Really, really good win."

Rodney McGruder and Angel Rodriguez both scored 15 points in the win over the Bears, and the game could not have come at a better time. The Wildcats had lost four of their last six games, and momentum means everything this time of year.

Kansas State Wildcats Flex Muscles At Right Time Before NCAA Tournament With Baylor Win

The Kansas State Wildcats already had the biggest feather in their cap this basketball season. As one of two teams to take down the mighty Missouri Tigers, the Wildcats already had the strongest argument for post-season seeding in the NCAA Tournament on their resume, but anyone who thought Frank Martin's squad was a fluke now has to think again with the Wildcats 57-56 win on the road at No. 9 Baylor today.

Before the game, Rodney McGruder admitted the team needed a boost after losing their last two and four of their last six.

"We’re in a tough spot," he told the Kansas City Star. "But there are a couple games left, so we have the opportunity to showcase what we are capable of.

The Wildcats did just that, giving a Baylor team that was preseason top five and a top Big 12 contender another loss that has to make voters scratch their heads yet again at the talent on paper versus the results on the court. McGruder himself had 15 points and went 3 for 6 from three-point territory. Angel Rodriguez added another 15 points for the Wildcats.

Before the game, the Wildcats were in danger of a low seed and tough first round pairing. While they still need to stay consistent in the final games of the regular season and have a decent conference tournament, it's clear that K-State deserves a favored seeding in the first round. And as they venture further, it will be clear at this point that no one will take them for granted.

For more on the Kansas State Wildcats, be sure to check out Bring On The Cats. For Baylor news and info, head over to Our Daily Bears. Check out SB Nation's college basketball page for all your hoops needs.

Kansas State Vs. Baylor Final Score: Wildcats Hang On In Final Minute For 57-56 Victory Over Bears

The Kansas State Wildcats survive a crazy ending to defeat the No. 10 ranked Baylor Bears 57-56 on the road in Waco, Texas.

Perry Jones III fouled out of the game with four minutes remaining in the game as Jones was only able to muster 4 points total for the Bears. From there, the strong play of Rodney McGruder and Angel Rodriguez pushed the Wildcats to the finish line. McGruder and Rodriguez went for 15 points each to give Frank Martin's team their 19th win of the season plus a signature victory over one of the top teams in America.

The win over Baylor should solidify the Wildats an at-large birth in the NCAA tournament in March. For Baylor, their chances of getting a top-two seed in their bracket have diminished significantly.

For more on the Kansas State Wildcats, be sure to check out Bring On The Cats. For Baylor news and info, head over to Our Daily Bears. Check out SB Nation's college basketball page for all your hoops needs.

Kansas State Vs. Baylor Halftime Update: Wildcats Lead 32-28 Over The Bears

Angel Rodriguez and Rodney McGruder both have 10 points in the first half for the Kansas State Wildcats as Frank Martin's team has a four point lead over the No. 10 Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas.

The Wildcats defense has done an excellent job in forcing 12 Baylor turnovers in the first half, plus they've bottled up Baylor big man Perry Jones to just 2 points thus far. The offense has been able to get players slashing to the rim and getting easy buckets as K-State is 14-of-27 from the field in the first half.

Quincy Acy is the leading scorer for the Bears, as his 12 points and 3 rebounds has been the main source of offense for Scott Drew's team. Baylor has stayed in the game with their ability to rebound, out-boarding the Wildcats 18-12 in the first half.

For more on the Kansas State Wildcats, be sure to check out Bring On The Cats. For Baylor news and info, head over to Our Daily Bears. Check out SB Nation's college basketball page for all your hoops needs.

Kansas State Vs. Baylor: Game Time, TV Schedule, Radio Info

The Wildcats continue a brutal three game stretch of Top 10 opponents with a trip to Waco against Baylor, before heading to Missouri Monday.