Last year, Kansas State entered the Big 12 Tournament as the sixth seed and owned records of 19-12 overall and 8-10 in the league. The Wildcats were invited to the NCAA Tournament.
After Saturday’s 77-67 triumph over Baylor that ended the regular season, K-State owns better records (21-10, 10-8) and a better seed (No. 4) for the Big 12 Tournament. But its NCAA Tournament assurance is only marginally more secure.
The reason for doubt originates in November and December. The Wildcats played a non-conference schedule that has been a drag on their postseason prospects.
On the surface, the non-league collection doesn’t look horrible.