The K-State women’s basketball team returns home after a three-game road trip to host the 15th annual Commerce Bank Wildcat Classic this weekend.
The Wildcats (2-4) will face Grambling State at 6 p.m. Friday, with the UTEP and Missouri State playing at 4 p.m. Saturday’s action includes a consolation game at 1 p.m. and a championship at 3 p.m.
Fresh off a narrow defeat on the road against Arkansas, the Wildcats are looking to win the Wildcat Classic for the fourth year in a row behind the play of Ashley Sweat, who leads the team with 17 points per game. Behind her are guards Kari Kincaid and Brittany Chambers who are scoring 12 and 11.4 points per game, respectively.
The Wildcats have played close games all season, with their largest margin of victory or defeat in the regular season at just seven points. Of their six games, five of them have been decided by four points or fewer, which should make for entertaining games during this year’s Wildcat Classic.
The Wildcats first opponent, Grambling State (3-2), has not played as many close games, with two of its three wins coming by more than 20 points. The Tigers have lost their two games by two and eight points respectively, meaning the Wildcats could be in for another game that comes down to the wire. Alexis Watson and Kiara Marshall lead a balanced Tiger squad with 10.4 and 10 points respectively.
The other two teams in the tournament, Missouri State (3-2) and UTEP (5-2) are both led by prolific scorers. The Bears feature Casey Garrison, who is averaging 21.4 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. UTEP is led by guard Jareica Hughes, who is averaging 14 points per game while shooting 50 percent from 3-point range. Hughes also has 12 steals.