Game coverage: Kentucky’s basketball season ends in the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to Kansas State
GREENSBORO, NC — Five years ago, Kansas State defeated fifth-seeded Kentucky in the Sweet 16.
Kentucky, this time the No. 6 seed, hopes to avoid the same fate on Sunday.
It’s the first matchup between the two Wildcat teams since the 2018 Sweet 16 contest, this time at the Greensboro Coliseum, with their group once again ready for the taking.
The two teams are in an East Region where the top seed fell in its opening game: Farleigh Dickinson stunned Purdue on Friday, just like it did five years ago when UMBC became the first seed out of 16 to oust a seed from 1 (Virginia). K-State defeated UMBC in the next round that year, setting up the Sweet 16 showdown with UK.
But this time K-State has the highest ranking (3) to Kentucky’s 6.
Health lingers on the UK chart again ahead of Sunday’s 2:40pm kick-off
The pairing:What You Should Know About the Second Round NCAA Tournament Game
Senior guard CJ Fredrick said in a media availability Saturday that his rib injury won’t fully heal until after the season. Rookie guard Cason Wallace, who suffered a leg injury in the regular season finale against Vanderbilt, has started and played 38 and 39 minutes, respectively, in the last two games. And senior forward Jacob Toppin, who had a hamstring problem during SEC Tournament week, scored 18 points (in 37 minutes) in Friday’s 61-53 first-round win over Providence.
The only question mark is senior point guard Sahvir Wheeler, who hasn’t featured in the UK’s last 10 games. Although he is cleared to practice, Wheeler did not take the field against Providence. Coach John Calipari said he will not allow Wheeler to play again until the Houston native shows that he is close to 100% healthy.
Last Exit:Kentucky basketball beats Providence for the first time in an NCAA Tournament in nearly four years
Here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s game and how to watch it:
Kentucky vs Kansas State odds
Kentucky enters as a 3-point favorite, according to Tipico Sportsbook, as of Saturday night. The plus/minus is 145.5 points and the UK money line is -156.
When is the Kentucky vs Kansas State basketball game?
When: 2:40 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 19
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (22,000); Greensboro, North Carolina
What channel is the UK vs K-State NCAA Tournament game on?
The game will be televised live on CBS. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Jim Spanarkel (analyst) and Evan Washburn (band) will call the game.
How to stream the Kentucky vs Kansas State March Madness game?
Authenticated subscribers can stream the game live on CBSSports.com or via the CBS Sports app and fuboTV.
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How to stream Kentucky vs K-State NCAA Tournament game for free?
You can stream CBS on YouTube TV, which offers a free trial here, and you can get a free trial with fuboTV here.
How to listen to the UK vs K-State basketball game on the radio?
Tom Leach (play-by-play) and Jack Givens (analyst) will have the UK radio network call on 840 AM in Louisville and 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington or online at UKAthletics.com.
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What is the story of the Kentucky vs Kansas State men’s basketball series?
While K-State won the last meeting of the series, the United Kingdom tasted victory in the previous nine meetings and is 9-1 overall.
Sunday will be Kentucky’s 184th NCAA Tournament game, extending their all-time record. A win would be the 131st in the event, tying North Carolina for first place. The UK’s .710 winning percentage (130-53) is fourth-best, behind Duke (.748; 119-40), North Carolina (.728; 131-49) and UCLA (.720; 108 -42).
Cream of the crop:Will the UK class of 2023 be one of Calipari’s best at Lexington?
NCAA Tournament: Kentucky vs Kansas State score, live updates, highlights
Contact Kentucky men’s football and basketball reporter Ryan Black at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter at @RyanABlack.
