Wildcats to finish up February home games against Oklahoma State Cowgirls after big win versus Texas

The K-State women's basketball team will hosts the Oklahoma State Cowgirls tonight at 7 p.m. in Bramlage Coliseum.

The first time the two teams met up in Stillwater, Okla., the Wildcats (17-9, 8-6 Big 12) came away with the win as they defeated the Cowgirls 67-56.

While K-State will be going into tonight's game with confidence after a 20-point win over Texas, Oklahoma State (13-10, 5-9 Big 12) is on the other side of that luck, going into tonight's game while on a three-game losing skid.

Despite the fact the first time the Wildcats took on the Cowgirls they came home with a win, junior guard Brittany Chambers says her team does not take this game lightly.

"I think the first time we got hot really early, we had a huge run in the first half," Chambers said. "I think that that made the whole game easier; but going into this game we can't assume it's going to be that kind of game. They're a really, really tough team, and I think that they have more to show than they did in that first time and we just got to be ready."

The Wildcats will need to keep an eye on sophomore guard Tiffany Bias, who, with an average of 11.7 points this season, came away from the last matchup against K-State with 21 points. If given the open look, Bias will capitalize on taking shots.

"We've got to play transition defense," Chambers said. "They love to run, they're looking to run, and they can shoot. And so if we don't get down the court they're going to get wide-open looks."

K-State's strong defense played a key role in their success overcoming Texas last Saturday, and senior guard Tasha Dickey said she expects the defensive effort to be in full effect for tonight's game.

"I think for this team our defense dictates how we do on offense," Dickey said. "In the past we've struggled to score on offense, so if we can hold the other team defensively then maybe we can get our score and a chance to keep going."

Chambers recorded a double-double during the Wildcat's last contest against Oklahoma State with a game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Dickey also had a strong showing with 15 points and eight rebounds.

While the first time the two teams matched up they were new to each other, Oklahoma State will come out knowing the strengths of Chambers and Dickey.

Dickey says the second time you play a team can often produce its challenges.

"It's a lot harder, you know, because, of course, the first time they don't really know about you," Dickey said. "Second time you go in there and they kind of know your strengths and weaknesses. It's going to be tough, but I think we'll be able to do it."

Tonight's game will be the last home game for the Wildcats during the month of February, and it will be an important game for K-State as they look toward their Big 12 Conference season coming to an end.

"We've got four more games in the Big 12, and then Big 12 tournament," Chambers said, "and we're trying to get to that 20th win, that's a huge mark for us. We're trying to hold on to that third, fourth [place] position, I think that if we come in with a confident mindset, and really play like we have been playing, that'll be great."