The Kansas State Wildcats open their 18th Big 12 season on Saturday ( Jan. 4 ) when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.

Oklahoma State ( 12-1 ) is ranked sixth in the nation with a five game winning streak, while Kansas State ( 10-3 ) brings in an eight game winning streak .

The Cowboys are averaging 86.8 points on 50.3 percent shooting, including 38.5 percent from 3-point range.  Sophomore Marcus Smart paces four players in double figures at 17.2 points per game. The reigning Big 12 Player and Freshman of the Year also leads the team in assists and steals.  Senior Markel Brown is second in scoring at 16.5 points per game, junior Le’Bryan Nash 13.5, and sophomore Phil Forte 12.2 points per game.

Kansas State is coming off an impressive win over George Washington earlier this week, in which senior Shane Southwell had a team-leading and career-high 21 points. He has now scored in double figures seven of the last 11 games.

K-State won two of three meetings with Oklahoma State last season, including a 73-67 win inthe Big 12 opener and a 68-57 victory in the semifinals of the Phillips 66 big 12 Championship. The Cowboys defeated the Wildcats in Stillwater 76-70.

You can hear the game on The Talk of JC, 1420 KJCK AM.