Kansas State (6-1) will return from its winter finals break with a trip to Kansas City's Sprint Center for the second "Hy-Vee Classic" to host ranked Alabama (21/23), who arrive after snapping a two-game losing streak.
K State hasn't played since a win over North Florida 79-68 on Sunday, extending the Wildcats' 38 game winning streak over non-conference opponents at Bramlage Coliseum. True freshman Thomas Gipson earned Big 12 Rookie of the Week honors for his consecutive double-doubles against North Florida and West Virginia. He leads the team in scoring and rebounding 14.0 and 8.1, respectively).
The Tide started the season on a 7-0 run before losing a heartbreaker to Georgetown, and then to Dayton. The Crimson Tide are averaging 66.8 points on 45.3 percent shooting, including 25.3 percent from 3-point range, to go with 37.2 rebounds, 13.1 assists, 6.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game. Bama will be the toughest defense the Cats have seen this season, averaging just 55.3 points on 35.6 percent shooting, including 25.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Date, time: Saturday, December 17, 9 p.m. CT
Location: Sprint Center, Kansas City, Kansas
TV: ESPNU
Radio: WHB 810 AM, Wildcat Radio Network
Streaming: ESPN3
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