For fans, students and supporters of Kansas State athletics, the anticipation of this game has been building. After the Kansas State (9-0) women’s basketball team put away UT Arlington on Wednesday night, K-State coach Jeff Mittie and his squad joined the school, fans and community in anticipation for Sunday’s sold out contest. In what could be considered one of the most anticipated games in school history, Kansas State can finally prepare for Goliath.
Playing the role of the seemingly unbeatable brute is a school that has won 83 straight games and four straight national championships, UConn (8-0) is the modern day Goliath and on Sunday, they play the perfect foil to K-State’s David.
“The way they’ve been the last couple of years it’s more like us vs them,” Mittie said with a laugh. “I think everybody’s the underdog every game, Notre Dame was number one in the coaches poll but until someone knocks off UConn, then everybody is the underdog.”
This isn’t the first time that Mittie’s Wildcats have seen UConn before, in last seasons contest the Huskies dismantled the Wildcats winning in a 97-57 runaway on November 23. Since that contest, UConn went on to win another national championship and K-State reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. Even with the changes that occur every season with K-State’s opponent on Sunday, one thing remains.
“The one constant has been Geno (Auriemma),” Mittie said. “He’s been able to push all the right buttons, Chris Dailey associate head coach with him — they’ve obviously been there forever and have had a consistent staff but the one constant has been Geno. He has done a remarkable job with whatever hand they’ve been dealt.”
As UConn prepares to face off against K-State, they will see a much different Wildcats team than the one they faced a year ago in Storrs, Conn. The Wildcats have been battle tested in the Big 12 and in their non-conference schedule, but Sunday will provide their biggest test and in front of a sold-out Bramlage Coliseum crowd.
“I’ve really never played in front of that big of a crowd obviously,” guard Kayla Goth said. “My guess is that it's going to be pretty exciting, communication is going to be huge. It’s going to be loud in there so we’re going to have to listen to each other well and talk.”
Sitting at 9-0 on the season, Kansas State has picked up contributions from the usual suspects such as Kindred Wesemann and Breanna Lewis, but freshman Peyton has given the Wildcats a boost off the bench and even in a starting role for the Wildcats. Williams discussed what’s helped her be successful in the transition from high school to college over the last few months.
“I’m pretty good at being a consistent player, if not rising above. I may not always make the best plays but I always get back on defense. Consistently getting three or four rebounds per game, that’s my biggest strength is just being their for the team,” Williams said.
UConn at a glance
-Currently on an 83 Game Winning Streak
-Four Straight NCAA Championships (2013-16)
-UConn has defeated four ranked opponents in the 2016-17 season.
-The Huskies have an average scoring margin of 22.75 in their eight wins in 2016
K-STATE (9-0) VS. CONNECTICUT (8-0)
WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2016
WHERE: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan, Kan.
TELEVISION: Fox Sports 1
RADIO: K-State Sports Network
COACHES
Kansas State: Jeff Mittie (Missouri Western '89)
Overall: 501-262/25th season. At K-State: 47-27/3rd season.
Connecticut: Geno Auriemma (West Chester '81)
Overall: 963-134/32nd season. At Connecticut: Same.
PROJECTED STARTERS
K-STATE
G: Karyla Middlebrook 4.5 ppg, 3.4 apg
G: Kindred Wesemann 14.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg
F: Shaelyn Martin 4.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg
F: Peyton Williams 5.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg
C: Breanna Lewis 14.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg
CONNECTICUT
G: Kia Nurse 13.1 ppg, 4.5 apg
G: Sanyia Chong 4.6 ppg, 2.6 apg
F: Gabby Williams 11.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg
F: Naphessa Collier 19.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg
G/F: Katie Lou Samuelson 19.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg
