Saint Louis @ Kansas State preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 3, 2016 ) Kansas State 84, Saint Louis 53

Kansas State has lost four of six since starting the season with four straight victories and looks to regain a little confidence as it prepares for Big 12 play when it takes on Saint Louis in a non-conference contest Saturday in Kansas City. The Wildcats have lost all three games against major conference teams, including last Saturday when they shot 32.6 percent from the field in a 67-61 loss to Mississippi State in Newark, N.J.

“We’ve got to go through some struggles. ... learn about it,” Kansas State coach Bruce Weber told reporters after the last loss against the Bulldogs. “That’s life. Nothing in life is easy, and you’ve got to go through it sometimes to feel how bad you really want it. And as I said we’re not far off, but (our) record puts us in a big bind right now. We’re going to have to figure some things out pretty quickly.” Wildcats junior guard Cartier Diarra said “little things” that can be corrected are holding them back and one of them is definitely shooting as Kansas State makes 42.6 percent from the field and 65.4 percent from the free-throw line. The Wildcats will most likely have to beat their scoring average of 66.9 against Saint Louis, which has scored at least 80 five times this season and boasts two players averaging double-doubles. The Billikens, who have suffered losses against Seton Hall and No. 9 Auburn, have won six of seven games after rolling over Division II Maryville University 82-69 on Tuesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, No TV

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (6-4): Senior forward Xavier Sneed struggled against Mississippi State, making 2-of-11 from the field, but leads the team in scoring overall at 14.4 points per game while Diarra adds 12.2 after pouring in 20 last Saturday. Diarra also tops the Wildcats in assists (6.3) along with steals (2.2) and senior forward Makol Mawien (8.2 points) leads the club in rebounding (5.3), including eight last time out. Junior Mike McGuirl (7.1 points) scored 14 - second-most this season - against Mississippi State and the 6-2 guard has drained 15-of-32 from 3-point range.

ABOUT SAINT LOUIS (9-2): Junior guard Jordan Goodwin leads the Billikens in scoring (15.6), rebounds (11.5) and steals (2.3) after posting his sixth straight double-double against Maryville with 18 points, 13 boards, six assists and six steals. Junior forward Hasahn French has also been a major factor while averaging 13.8 points, 10.5 boards, 2.6 blocks and shooting 53.6 percent from the field. Freshman guard Gibson Jimerson averages 10.8 points and junior forward Javonte Perkins contributes 9.5 per contest after pouring in a season-high 22 last time out.

TIP-INS

1. Kansas State freshman F Antonio Gibson followed up a season-high 13 points by going 0-for-4 from the field versus Mississippi State.

2. Saint Louis freshman F Terrence Hargrove Jr. scored 27 points against Maryville after a totaling eight in his first five games in 2019-20.

3. The Wildcats have been outrebounded by five overall this season while the Billikens own a plus-7.7 rebound margin.

PREDICTION: Kansas State 72, Saint Louis 68