Kansas State and Texas Tech are the two best defensive teams in the Big 12, and it shows.
Their coaches value hard work and grit more than talent. Their rosters feature length and athleticism more than smooth shooters. Their identities revolve around steals and blocks instead of dunks and threes.
All of that was apparent when they met with first place in the Big 12 standings on the line Tuesday at Bramlage Coliseum. Toughness mattered as much as skill, if not more. Things got so physical at times it felt like a football game.
K-State emerged from the scrum with a 58-45 victory.