LAWRENCE, Kan. (Interstat) — The Sunflower Showdown concludes its regular-season chapter Saturday when the Kansas Jayhawks host the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas (21-9, Big 12) enters the finale looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament seeding and rebound from a 60-70 road loss at Arizona State on Tuesday. The Jayhawks have been strong at home, boasting a 14-2 record in Lawrence this season.

Kansas State (12-18, Big 12) aims to play spoiler and build momentum after snapping a five-game skid with a 65-63 home win over West Virginia on March 3. The Wildcats have struggled on the road, winning just two of 13 games away from home.

The matchup features a compelling contrast in standout players. Kansas State will lean on guard Nate Johnson, who has been a consistent offensive engine. Over his last eight games, Johnson is averaging 15.1 points and 6.6 assists, including a 33-point, 9-assist performance in a win over Baylor and 16 points with 7 assists in the recent victory over West Virginia.

For Kansas, the focus inside will be on forward Flory Bidunga. The big man has been a defensive anchor and a variable offensive threat. He posted a 23-point, 3-block game in a win over Arizona and a staggering 7-block effort against Utah earlier this month. However, he was held to just 2 points in a loss at Arizona on Feb. 28.

The Jayhawks won the first meeting this season decisively, 86-62, in Manhattan on Jan. 24. Kansas has dominated the series historically, especially on its home floor, where it has won 18 of the last 19 meetings against its in-state rival.

Saturday’s game, scheduled for a 1 p.m. CST tipoff, will be the final regular-season contest for both teams before the Big 12 tournament begins next week. For Kansas State, it represents a final opportunity to upset a ranked rival. For Kansas, it’s a chance to head into postseason play with a victory and protect its home court in one of college basketball’s most hostile environments.