The Kansas State Wildcats are one of 16 teams left fighting for a national championship, and that fight will continue tonight in Madison Square Garden against the Michigan State Spartans.

 

Kansas State enters the game 25-9 on the season, while the Spartans enter 21-12.

 

This matchup features an intriguing coaching battle, with first year coach Jerome Tang facing off against the Hall of Famer Tom Izzo. Tang says he has nothing but respect for Izzo, and that the Spartans coach is a class act.

 

Michigan State has caught fire in the past 10 games, winning 7 of them with the offense elevating to a 75 points per game average. MSU also brings experience and depth to this matchup.

 

KSU has a pair of stars in Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell. Nowell is playing his best basketball of the season, while Johnson continues to be one of the nation's top post players.

 

An environment like New York City with so much on the line may be overwhelming for a typical first year coach, but Tang says his time at Baylor has him confident he's ready for the moment.

 

Coverage of the Kansas State Wildcats and the Michigan State Spartans begins at 5 p.m. CT on the Mighty 690 KGGF. Tip off is scheduled for 5:40.