Kansas guard Malik Newman (14) is fouled on the shot by Kansas State forward Makol Mawien (14) with seconds remaining during the second half, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Sidelined Kansas State junior forward Dean Wade (sore foot), a first-team All-Big 12 performer, has scored in double figures in 20 consecutive games after failing to do so in four of the Wildcats’ first 12 games.

K-State has gone 12-8 during Wade’s double-figures streak. Two of the losses came at the hands of Kansas. So an argument can be made that the scoring output of another K-State frontcourt starter actually will weigh more heavily in the outcome of today’s 6 p.m. tipoff in Sprint Center against Kansas.

Makol Mawien, a 6-foot-9, 225-pound sophomore, was born in Cairo, Egypt, played high school basketball in Utah and according to the Kansas State media guide is the son of Mawien Arik, “the Ambassador of South Sudan,” and Adut Dor.

Mawien carried a big load in helping the Wildcats defeat TCU, 66-64, in overtime. Mawien produced 16 points, nine rebonds and three blocks. He played 30 minutes and made 6 of 7 field goals and 4 of 4 free throws before fouling out.

“That’s tough in anyone’s book in any league, and he was tough today, and we need him throughout the rest of the season, throughout March,” junior guard Barry Brown said.

Mawien has started all 32 games and averages 18.8 minutes, 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots.

“Last game I found out the stat when Mak has 10 or plus points that we are undefeated,” Brown said after the TCU game.

Brown didn’t say where he learned that statistic, but if it was from the coaching staff, that’s an indication the coaches would like to see the guards share the ball with the big man more frequently. K-State is 8-0 when Mawien reaches double figures.

Mawien spent his first year out of high school as a redshirt at Utah, then spent a year at a junior college. He has two remaining seasons of eligibility at Kansas State.

In the two losses to Kansas, Mawien combined for 37 minutes, seven points, five rebounds and three blocked shots. K-State might try to feature Mawien more because Udoka Azubuike (sprained MCL) is out of the lineup for Kansas.