It wasn’t pretty, but K-State was victorious over UMBC last night, 50-43, to move on to the Sweet 16.  This is the first time K-State has been in the Sweet 16 since an Elite 8 appearance in 2010.

KSNT reported on the game live from Kite’s in Aggieville.

K-State was a 10 point favorite over the Retrievers and ended up winning a close defensive struggle by seven points.  They play five seed Kentucky on Thursday night for the right to move on to the Elite 8.  Kentucky has a roster full of NBA talent and with Dean Wade still out with a foot injury it’s going to take a herculean effort by K-State to beat them.  If the Cats can somehow find a way to beat Kentucky, the road gets somewhat easier after that.  The winner plays either seven seed Nevada or 11 seed Loyola Chicago for a birth in the Final Four.  The winner of the region would then play Florida State, Gonzaga, Michigan or Texas A&M in the Final Four.  All of those possible opponents would be a winnable game for the Cats.  They have to get there first, however.

Kentucky is 26-10 on the season and 10-8 in the SEC, winning the SEC postseason tournament.  Common opponents include Kansas, who beat Kentucky 65-61 on November 14th, and beat K-State three times, 73-72 in Lawrence, 70-56 in Manhattan, and 83-67 in The Big 12 tournament in Kansas City. 

Kentucky also beat West Virginia 83-76 on January 26th.  K-State lost twice to West Virginia, 83-76 at home and 89-51 in Morgantown.

K-State beat Georgia 56-51 at home, while Kentucky beat Georgia twice, 66-61 at home and 62-49 in the SEC tournament.

Both teams beat Georgia by five at home.  That’s kinda interesting.

Kentucky opened as a four point favorite over K-State and it has grown to six points.  A line like that says it should be a one or two possession game throughout.

Can’t wait to watch this one.  It’s gonna be a long week until Thursday night!