Kentucky Wildcats loses to Kansas State in NCAA Tournament, fall short of Sweet 16 again
Coverage from the game: Kentucky basketball season ends in 2nd round of NCAA Tournament with loss to Kansas State
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Five years ago, Kansas State knocked off fifth-seed Kentucky in the Sweet 16.
Kentucky, this time a No. 6 seed, hopes to avoid the same fate Sunday.
It's the first matchup between the two Wildcat teams since that 2018 Sweet 16 contest — this time at Greensboro Coliseum, with their bracket again ripe for the taking.
The two teams are in an East Region where the 1-seed fell in its opening game — Farleigh Dickinson stunned Purdue on Friday — much like five years ago, when UMBC became the first 16-seed to topple a 1-seed (Virginia). K-State beat UMBC in the next round that year, setting up the Sweet 16 matchup with UK.
But this time K-State holds the higher seed (3) to Kentucky's 6.
Health again lingers over UK's roster ahead of Sunday's 2:40 p.m. tipoff.
The matchup:What to know about second-round NCAA Tournament game
Senior guard CJ Fredrick said in a media availability Saturday his rib injury won't completely heal until after the season. Freshman guard Cason Wallace, who suffered a leg injury in the regular-season finale versus Vanderbilt, has started and played 38 and 39 minutes, respectively, the past two games. And senior forward Jacob Toppin, who had a hamstring issue during the week of the SEC Tournament, had 18 points (in 37 minutes) in Friday's 61-53 first-round victory over Providence.
The lone question mark is senior point guard Sahvir Wheeler, who has sat out UK's past 10 games. Though he's cleared to practice, Wheeler didn't take the court versus Providence. Coach John Calipari said he won't permit Wheeler to play again until the Houston native proves he's close to 100% health.
Last time out:Kentucky basketball beats Providence for 1st NCAA Tournament win in nearly four years
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's game and how to watch:
Kentucky vs Kansas State odds
Kentucky enters as a 3-point favorite, according to Tipico Sportsbook, as of Saturday evening. The over/under is 145.5 points and the UK moneyline is -156.
When is 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 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 (sideline) will call the game.
How to stream Kentucky vs Kansas State March Madness game?
Authenticated subscribers can livestream the game at CBSSports.com or via the CBS Sports app as well as fuboTV.
Blue got in:Check out a March Madness AT&T ad featuring Kentucky basketball players
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 can get a free trial with fuboTV here.
How to listen to UK basketball vs K-State 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 both 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington or online at UKAthletics.com.
How far can Kentucky go in NCAAs?SEC Network analysts dish on John Calipari's team
What is the series history for Kentucky vs Kansas State men's basketball?
While K-State won the last matchup in the series, UK tasted victory in the previous nine meetings and is 9-1 overall.
Sunday will be Kentucky's 184th NCAA Tournament game, extending its all-time record. A win would be its 131st in the event, tying North Carolina for first. UK's .710 winning percentage (130-53) is fourth best, trailing Duke (.748; 119-40), North Carolina (.728; 131-49) and UCLA (.720; 108-42).
Cream of the crop:Will UK's 2023 class be one of Calipari's best in Lexington?
NCAA Tournament: Kentucky vs Kansas State score, live updates, highlights
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @RyanABlack.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: March Madness 2023: Kentucky misses Sweet 16, loses to Kansas State
