Kansas State will take on Southern Mississippi in a match-up that features two solid offenses and very tough personalities. Both teams were very resilient throughout the season and won 20 or more games. Kansas State and Southern Miss. are fairly even when it comes to points per game and points allowed, so this one might come down to the wire.
NO. 8 KANSAS STATE
Overall Record: 21-10
Conference Record: 10-8
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Baylor In Quarterfinals
PPG: 71.4
Points Allowed: 63.7
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 47
KenPom Ranking: 22
Standout Player: Rodney McGruder
Season In Review: Frank Martin's Wildcats had an up and down season with a couple of early overtime games and only winning one out of the first four conference games. But Kansas State went on to win 21 games, including a sweep of Missouri.
Tournament Experience: 32-29, 25 appearances, 4 Final Fours
NO. 9 SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Overall Record: 25-8
Conference Record: 11-5
Conference Tournament Outcome: Lost To Marshall In Semifinal
PPG: 71.6
Points Allowed: 64.9
AP Ranking: none
RPI: 19
KenPom Ranking: 71
Standout Player: Neil Watson
Season In Review: What ever you do, do not underestimate the toughness of the Golden Eagles, who played five overtime games (two of which were double OT). They only lost two games in the first half of the season and won 25 total en route to a No. 9 seed.
Tournament Experience: 0-2, 2 appearances
Related
Before You Go
Click HERE for Printable 2012 NCAA Tournament Bracket and stay tuned for in-depth coverage of March Madness throughout the tournament.