Now that the Wildcats have locked up a first-round bye in the Big 12 Conference tournament, it's time to gain another key to success. The momentum that comes from winning a road game.

K-State (19-10, 9-6 Big 12 Conference) has had little luck on the road lately, losing in its last five trips away from Manhattan.

On Saturday, the Wildcats will have a chance to end the road woes and pick up some momentum before the Big 12 tournament when they face Iowa State at 3 p.m. in Ames, Iowa.

"We need the momentum to focus on trying to get far through the Big 12 tournament," freshman guard Jacob Pullen said. "We need this win, and I think we have the intensity to go get it. Us going on the road and getting this win will just show we are back on track in the Big 12."

The win might have more than just Big 12 implications in determining whether the Wildcats will be the No. 3 or No. 4 seed. Freshman forward Bill Walker pointed out K-State isn't a lock for the NCAA tournament yet.

"We got to get the win," Walker said. "We are not safe from getting cut from the tournament just yet, so we got to get this win and try to get some of those in the Big 12 tournament."

Walker said the first-round bye for the Big 12 tournament will allow the Wildcats to be slightly more rested and ready for their opponents.

"It lets us be rested because we don't have to go out there and compete right away," Walker said. "We get to scout who we are going to play next to try to get a win that way."

With a first-round bye, K-State coach Frank Martin said the goal of playing in the conference tournament championship game becomes more realistic. Still, the bye doesn't make getting to Sunday an easy task, he said.

"It's going to be hard, not just for us, but for everybody because this league is so difficult," Martin said. "If you want to have a chance to play on Sunday, chances are you better have a bye."

K-State broke a four-game losing streak that included three road games Tuesday when it defeated Colorado 78-72 in the Wildcats' home finale. Walker said the losses cost K-State opportunities to be in a better position in the Big 12.

"We had some tough losses besides the KU game," Walker said. "Those losses kind of hurt us with the opportunity to be at the top of the conference."

Beasley elected to Board of Directors for Student Publications

Freshman forward Michael Beasley was elected to two positions up for grabs in the Student Government Association general elections that ended Wednesday night.

Beasley received 29 votes to be elected to a one-year term position on Board of Directors for Student Publications. Beasley also was elected to a two-year term for the same position. Beasley responded with surprise at the news.

"That's crazy," Beasley said.

Beasley's only concern was how much work the position would entail.