Manhattan, KS – Friday begins the round of 64 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The 9th game of the day will tip-off at 3:30. That will feature 4-seed K-State against 13-seed Portland inside of a near sold out Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats are hosting the first two round for the first time since 2017. K-State (25-7) will be making its 18th appearance all-time in the “Big Dance” and for the 5th time under head coach Jeff Mittie. Friday will be K-State’s first-ever meeting against the 21-12 Pilots of Portland.
Thursday in Bramlage, both K-State and Portland spoke to the media to discuss Friday afternoon’s contest. Portland enters the NCAA Tournament as the WCC Tournament champions after beating Gonzaga 90-40. A team the Pilots lost to by 50 points on February 28. K-State head coach Jeff Mittie says heights and defense is what stands out about Portland
The Pilots’ offense is nothing mind-blowing. Averaging just 68 points a game and shots 30% from three. Portland’s defense is relatable to West Virginia’s. They will press and force a lot of turnovers. Portland is 26th in the national at forcing 19.8 turnovers a game. Junior point guard Serena Sundell is expecting a physical and mental challenge.
Portland 5th year head coach Michael Meek says using the press isn’t exactly like WVU’s, but has always been his approach.
The most intriging battle expected in Friday’s game will be between two of the best shot-blockers in the nation. Of course, K-State has All-American center Ayoka Lee. The all-time leader in rebounds and blocks in K-State history. She leads K-State with 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Lee is also 9th in the nation with 2.7 blocks per game. For the Pilots downstairs, they are led by the team’s anchor and 6-5 senior Lucy Cochrane. She’s averaging 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Cochrane’s 3.2 blocks per game is 3rd best in the country.
For Ayoka Lee, she has battled with plenty of players like Cochrane before.
For Lucy Cochrane, she hasn’t played a ton against players like Ayoka Lee before.
However, coach Meke says Cochrane can do much more than post up and block shots.
Maybe the biggest storyline this week has been the countdown to Bramlage possibly being sold out and full of K-State fans. As of Thursday afternoon, there was about 1,000 left for Friday’s action, but Coach Mittie is already thrilled about the number of tickets sold.
Portland senior guard Emme Shearer, who averages 12 points a game, says they just played in front of a huge crowd and will be ready for that challenge.
Tickets Link: https://kstatesports.evenue.net/list/WBNCAAON
K-State and Portland tip at 3:30 Friday. Pregame at 3:00 on KMAN and online at newsradiokman.com
