As college basketball’s rivalry week heats up, two in-state heavyweights, Kansas and Kansas State, are set to clash in what promises to be a tightly contested affair. This Saturday, the No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks will host the Kansas State Wildcats at the historic Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this iconic Sunflower Showdown.

Kansas Jayhawks (12-4, 3-2 Big 12)

Kansas has shown flashes of their championship caliber this season, securing notable non-conference wins against powerhouses like North Carolina, Michigan State, and Duke. However, their recent form has been less than stellar, with the team failing to reach 60 points in their last two games. Led by Coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks are looking to leverage their home court advantage where they’ve dominated Kansas State, winning 18 straight games at Allen Fieldhouse. Despite some offensive struggles, they are still projected as a No. 3 seed by CBS Sports Bracketology Expert Jerry Palm for the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas State Wildcats (7-9, 1-4 Big 12)

Under the guidance of third-year coach Jerome Tang, the Wildcats have had a challenging season, particularly on the offensive end. They’ve managed only one victory against a power conference team this year, a narrow win over Cincinnati. Their offensive woes were highlighted in their recent loss to Texas Tech, where they managed just one field goal in the final nine minutes. Kansas State ranks near the bottom of the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 62.4 points in conference play.

What to expect

This game marks the first of two regular season meetings between these rivals, with Kansas looking to extend its home dominance over K-State. The game’s outcome could hinge on whether Kansas can shake off their scoring drought or if Kansas State can capitalize on their opportunities away from home. The atmosphere at Allen Fieldhouse is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see if the Wildcats can break their long-standing drought against the Jayhawks in this venue.

How to watch the game live

• Date: Saturday, January 18th
• Time: 1 pm ET
• Location: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, Kansas
• TV: CBS
• Live stream: Available on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app. You can also stream the game on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, which offers live sports coverage among its array of entertainment options.

Streaming tips

• CBSSports.com and CBS Sports app: Free to access with a cable or satellite subscription that includes CBS. Check your provider for login details or consider a trial if you’re not a subscriber.
• Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: If you’re looking for more than just this game, Paramount+ provides a broader array of content including other sports, movies, and series. Check for any ongoing promotions or free trial periods available for new subscribers.

Why this game matters

This matchup transcends typical conference games due to the deep-seated rivalry between these two schools. It’s about maintaining their stronghold at home and proving their offensive capabilities for Kansas. It’s an opportunity for Kansas State to make a statement, potentially turning around their season with an upset. Every pass, shot, and defensive stop will be scrutinized, adding layers of excitement to what is already a high-stakes game.

So, set your alarms and prepare for a classic battle in college basketball. Whether you’re rooting for the seasoned Jayhawks or the ambitious Wildcats, this game is not one to miss.