Longhorns Face Kansas State in Big 12 Tournament Elimination Game

The Longhorns look to bounce back from a rough tournament opener against the Jayhawks.

The Texas Longhorns and Kansas State Wildcats are lucky that the Big 12 Tournament is not a single elimination tournament, otherwise both teams would be done in Arlington following their Wednesday losses. 

For Texas, it was a 6-3 loss to the No. 8 seed Kansas Jayhawks, while the Wildcats dropped their opener in blowout fashion against the No. 4 seed TCU Horned Frogs - a seven inning, 16-3 run-rule blowout. 

Now, the Longhorns look to bounce back against the other team from Kansas. A win to keep their tournament going could go a long way in their chance to host a regional come June, especially if they can stack that win up and go on a run to the championship game again. 

How to watch/listen: 

Thursday at 9 a.m. CT (Big 12 Now on ESPN+/TexasSports.com/Audio)

A look at Kansas State's tournament so far

Like we briefly touched on earlier, the Wildcats were absolutely dominated in their first game against TCU. They were run-ruled in seven innings, giving up multiple runs in each of the first five innings. While they did scratch across three runs, they dropped the game 16-3. 

Kansas State by the numbers: 

Record: 33-23 (13-11)

Runs scored: 396

Runs allowed: 334

Team Avg.: .267

Team ERA: 5.41

Kansas State wins this game if...

It can take a lesson from its fellow team in Kansas, and get to the bullpen in a hurry. The Longhorns are likely to trot out Lebarron Johnson Jr., who has been on fire to end the season. However, in his appearance against the Wildcats in the regular season, he allowed four runs on two hits and three walks. If they can have similar success, they can stay alive for one more game. 

Texas wins this game if...

It wakes up the bats after another cold day at the plate. Your starter only allowing two runs is a strong outing, and one that you have to help him win. Otherwise, it will be a long day at the office. They did have success at the plate against the Wildcats in the regular season, a trend they aim to continue. If they do, they have to like their chances of staying in Arlington with a win over the Wildcats. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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