Is it actually a rivalry yet? That’s the question everyone asks when Kansas State vs Cincinnati pops up on the schedule. Honestly, if you look at the geography, it feels like a stretch. Manhattan, Kansas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, aren't exactly next-door neighbors. But since the Bearcats jumped into the Big 12, this matchup has turned into a weirdly intense tactical chess match that consistently ruins parlay cards.
Most fans just look at the logos and assume the "old guard" of the Big 12 will steamroll the "new guys." They’re usually wrong.
The Recent Reality Check
We just saw this play out in the women’s game on December 31, 2025. People expected a grind. What they got was a total demolition. K-State and Cincinnati went into the locker room at halftime tied at 28-28. It looked like a classic Big 12 rock fight. Then, the Wildcats decided they were done playing around. They came out and dropped a 15-0 run to start the third quarter.
By the time the dust settled, K-State had won that single quarter 28-6. Tess Heal and Taryn Sides basically took the keys to the building and locked the Bearcats out. Sides had six steals! That’s not just "good defense"—that’s a heist. It ended 79-52, and it served as a brutal reminder that in this conference, if you blink for five minutes, the game is over.
On the men’s side, things are even more chaotic. We’re heading toward a massive clash on February 11, 2026, at Bramlage Coliseum. If you’ve ever been to "The Octagon of Doom," you know the vibes are immaculate and the noise is deafening.
Why This Matchup Stays Close
Basically, these two programs share a similar DNA. They aren't the blue bloods with the $50 million NIL collectives that buy every five-star recruit on the planet. They are "chip on the shoulder" programs.
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- P.J. Haggerty is the engine for K-State right now. The guy is averaging nearly 23 points a game. He’s a bucket. Plain and simple.
- Cincinnati’s Defense: The Bearcats, led by Wes Miller, play a brand of basketball that feels like being stuck in a blender. They rank near the top of the league in points allowed (around 65.9 PPG). They want to make you miserable for 40 minutes.
- The Transition Factor: K-State wants to run. Cincinnati wants to drag you into the mud. Whoever dictates the tempo usually walks away with the "W."
Last season, back in March 2025, K-State eked out a 54-49 win in Cincinnati. It was ugly. It was physical. It was exactly what Big 12 basketball is supposed to be. David N’Guessan had a double-double in that one, proving that senior leadership usually trumps raw athleticism in these late-season games.
The Football Factor
You can't talk about Kansas State vs Cincinnati without mentioning the gridiron. In late 2024, the Wildcats put on a clinic at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, winning 41-15. DJ Giddens ran for 143 yards like he was playing against a high school JV team.
But here’s the thing: Cincinnati is recruiting like crazy in the Ohio valley. They’re closing the gap. When they meet again, don't expect a 26-point blowout. The Bearcats have a history of playing up to their competition, especially when they feel disrespected by the Midwestern media.
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What to Watch for Next
If you're looking at the upcoming February 11th basketball game, keep your eyes on the turnover margin. Cincinnati has struggled with offensive consistency this season, often failing to break the 65-point mark in conference play. If K-State’s defense, which has been a bit "leaky" lately (allowing over 80 points in some stretches), can tighten up, they’ll cruise.
But if Day Day Thomas or Kerr Kriisa get hot from the perimeter? It’s going to be a long night for the EMAW faithful.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Injury Report: Monitor P.J. Haggerty’s minutes leading up to the February 11th tip-off; his health is 90% of the K-State offense.
- Watch the Bench Scoring: In their last meeting, K-State’s bench outscored Cincinnati’s 39-18. If the Bearcats don't find depth scoring, they can't win on the road.
- Secure Tickets Early: Bramlage is expected to be a sellout for this mid-week Big 12 clash as both teams fight for tournament positioning.