WATCH: Manhattan Mercury’s Zach DeLoach talks K-State women’s hoops, NCAA tournament bid

MANHATTAN, KS. (KSNT) – K-State women’s basketball is headed to the big dance, and it’ll start the tournament on its home court at Bramlage Coliseum.

Zach DeLoach, the Manhattan Mercury’s news editor and K-State women’s hoops beat writer, joined K-Nation to break down the ‘Cats draw in this year’s NCAA tournament. K-State women snag the four seed and home court advantage after finishing the regular season 24-6.

“Throughout this week, that was kind of the interesting story line,” DeLoach said of K-State hosting. “They were kind of riding the line between a four seed and a five seed, they came up today as a four seed. We thought that was maybe because Gonzaga would get bumped off the four line, but it was actually Colorado that got bumped off the four line. And Colorado is coming to Manhattan as a five seed.”

Not only does K-State’s region feature the five-seeded Buffs that may be seeking revenge, but K-State could eventually find themselves matching up with one-seeded Iowa. However, the ‘Cats already beat Iowa once earlier this season.

K-State boasts a 15-1 record while playing in Manhattan this season, something DeLoach says could prove to be a huge deal in the first few rounds.

“It’s absolutely huge,” DeLoach said. “The fans show up to Bramlage, I know it’s something the players really wanted. They love playing in Bramlage, getting that community support, so getting to have that is going to be a huge advantage for them.”

DeLoach also talks K-State’s ability to adjust to playing with/without Ayoka Lee and goes in depth on the potential matchup with No. 1 Iowa. The full interview with DeLoach can be watched above.

K-State plays No. 13 Portland on Friday, March 22 in round one of the NCAA tournament. Tip off is set for 3:30 p.m. in Bramlage Coliseum.

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