K-State battles unbeaten Indiana after PJ Haggerty’s hot start, eyes 6-1 record Tuesday

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By: Michael Brown

Kansas State heads to Bloomington for a major Big 12 showdown against unbeaten Indiana on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Wildcats enter at 5-0 following a dominant 98-77 victory over Mississippi State. Guard PJ Haggerty is playing at an elite level, averaging 28.2 points per game through five games. The Hoosiers remain 5-0 after a win over Lindenwood.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • K-State is 5-0 with PJ Haggerty averaging 28.2 PPG
  • Indiana holds an unbeaten 5-0 record in conference play
  • Game tips off Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 5:00 PM ET on FS1
  • Haggerty scored 37 points in the Mississippi State game
  • A win would improve K-State to 6-0 heading into December

The Matchup: Two Unbeaten Teams Collide

This is the kind of game that defines early-season tournaments. Both squads enter unblemished, which is rare in November. K-State dominated Mississippi State soundly, with Haggerty putting up 37 points in 34 minutes. He also added 8 assists and 7 rebounds in that performance.

Meanwhile, Indiana just beat Lindenwood 73-53, though some reports suggested the Hoosiers weren’t sharp. Coach Mike Woodson and his squad enter this battle without any losses on their resume.

Playing on the road is never easy, but Kansas State has shown they can execute under pressure. Their conference credentials look strong through five games. Indiana hosting at Assembly Hall means the Hoosiers get home-court advantage in a neutral environment.

PJ Haggerty’s Elite Start

The Memphis transfer has been the story of K-State’s season opener. Through five games, Haggerty is averaging 28.2 points per game with solid assist numbers to boot. He matched a Michael Beasley mark with four straight 20-point games to start his career with the Wildcats.

Against Mississippi State, he went off for 37 points on strong efficiency. The 6’3″ guard is one of the nation’s most dynamic scorers right now. He’s connecting from all three levels and attacking the rim with confidence.

Player Stats PPG APG RPG
PJ Haggerty (K-State) 28.2 6.7 TBA
Tayton Conerway (Indiana) TBA TBA TBA
Tucker DeVries (Indiana) TBA TBA TBA

The Haggerty factor can’t be overstated. If he stays hot, K-State has a legitimate shot at extending their unbeaten record.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Both teams arrive in Indianapolis riding perfect records. K-State has beaten everyone in their path, with the Mississippi State win being particularly convincing. The Wildcats showed they can execute on the road and against quality opponents.

Indiana has cruised so far, though scrappy opponents haven’t really tested them yet. The Lindenwood game showed some vulnerabilities defensively that Jerome Tang and K-State can exploit.

  • K-State averaging 85+ points per game through five games
  • Indiana holding opponents to under 60 points on average
  • Haggerty shooting efficiently from three-point range
  • Wildcats’ perimeter defense will be tested
  • Road environment favors prepared teams

What’s at Stake Tuesday Night?

A win for K-State would push them to 6-0 and signal they’re a legitimate national contender early. It would also establish Haggerty as a calling card for their tournament run.

Indiana protecting home court is paramount. An unbeaten record heading into conference play carries real momentum. The Hoosiers need to show they can beat strong competition at home.

Fans should expect a tight contest between two programs playing their best basketball. Who handles the pressure better? Can Haggerty repeat his dominant performance? Will Indiana’s home-court edge make the difference? These questions get answered on Nov. 25.

Preview Picks and Prediction

This leans tight. Both teams are unbeaten for a reason. K-State’s star power in Haggerty gives them edge potential, but Indiana at home with no losses is formidable. The Hoosiers have that tournament experience and Coach Woodson typically prepares teams well for big moments. Expect a defensive battle with scoring chances limited for both squads.

Based on recent form and home-court advantage, slight edge goes to Indiana. However, if Haggerty stays aggressive and K-State shoots the three well, They can absolutely steal this. Mark this as one of November’s must-watch games.

Sources

  • Kansas.com – “K-State guard PJ Haggerty joins Michael Beasley in hot start”
  • Reuters – “PJ Haggerty nets 37 as Kansas State runs past Mississippi State”
  • TheScore – Game schedule and matchup information

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