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No. 22 Kansas State needs win to keep pace in Big 12

Feb 16, 2008 - 11:31 AM Missouri (14-11) at No. 22 Kansas St (17-6) 6:00 pm EST

MANHATTAN, Kansas (Ticker) - As one of four teams battling for Big 12 Conference supremacy, every game is critical for No. 22 Kansas State.

The Wildcats (17-6, 7-2) will look to avenge a loss to Missouri (14-11, 4-6) on Saturday.

Kansas State is only 2-2 in its last four games, including an 84-75 loss at Texas Tech on Wednesday. It was the first coaching win for the Red Raiders' Pat Knight.

In the teams' first meeting, Missouri posted a 77-74 victory at home. The game was the first for the Wildcats after defeating previously undefeated Kansas.

The Tigers won despite the absence of five players - including three starters - following an off-campus incident.

Kansas State is 13-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference play at home. Freshman sensation Michael Beasley continues to put together an impressive season for the Wildcats, averaging 25.1 points and 12.4 rebounds. Beasley was held to 17 points against Missouri earlier this year.

The Tigers are only 3-6 in their last nine games, but are coming off an 86-78 overtime victory at Nebraska on Wednesday.

Junior forward DeMarre Carroll leads active Missouri players with 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Senior guard and leading scorer Stefhon Hannah, who suffered a broken jaw in the January 27 incident, was kicked off the team Tuesday.