Kansas State vs. Texas Southern preview: Wildcats seeking to get back on track Tuesday

Eager to bounce back from a 16-point loss to Gonzaga on Saturday, the Kansas State Wildcats will return home to Manhattan this Tuesday for a date with an ice-cold Texas Southern team.

Along with recording 18 turnovers compared to a measly 10 assists, Kansas State shot just 33.3% from the field in Saturday's frustrating loss to fall completely flat after the break. Unable to take the next step offensively under first-year coach Bruce Weber, senior guard Rodney McGruder continues to struggle with both his touch from the outside and overall shot selection after nine games. McGruder is attempting nearly the exact same amount of field goals per game as last season, but has inexplicably watched his shooting accuracy drop by 8.5% overall and 15.2% from three-point range in the early going.

Though McGruder finished just 1-for-9 against Gonzaga, the 6'4 scoring guard should be afforded numerous opportunities on Tuesday against a Texas Southern team that struggles to stop perimeter players. The Tigers have won just one game all season in 10 attempts, and are coming off a Saturday loss where they gave up 96 points to Cal-State Fullerton. With a dangerous game against the Florida Gators at this weekend's Hy-Vee Wildcat Classic looming large, Weber's team will definitely need to get momentum back on its side with a big game to open the week.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 18

Where: Fred Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, KS

Game time: 7 p.m. CT

Radio: K-State Sports Network