No Revenge for Kansas State in Sunflower Showdown

Nov 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward D.J. Johnson (4) with then all against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half of the championship game of the Barclays Center Classic at Barclays Center. Maryland won 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kansas State Wildcats forward D.J. Johnson (4) with then all against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half of the championship game of the Barclays Center Classic at Barclays Center. Maryland won 69-68. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas State Wildcats were facing a top 5 opponent for the second time in three days. The Wildcats played a fabulous sunflower showdown but fell 74-71.

Bruce Weber’s team needed a win to get the season back on track Saturday. The Wildcats ended a 3-game losing skid with one of the program’s biggest road wins ever to set up the rematch against Kansas.

Dean Wade, who had a wonderful first half in the win at Baylor, played one of his best games of the season on Big Monday. He tied a career high with 20 points including 3-three point shots.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats wasted the terrific performance by the Sophomore.

Kansas State started the game with a steal after the opening tip and got a second KU turnover on the Jayhawk’s second possession. It didn’t matter.  The ‘Cats had three turnovers and never got a shot on either possession.

Poor offensive execution doomed the Wildcats on Monday night.

After an 8-0 run early and Kansas State was in control 20-8 and the Wildcats also had an early 12-6 advantage on the boards.

Kamau Stokes had 3 bombs from beyond the arc and Dean Wade led the ‘Cats with 10 point in the first half.

But the Wildcats struggled in the paint and with a lack of bench points trailed 37-35 at the break.

Kamau Stokes hit a three to open Kansas State’s scoring in the 2nd half but the ‘Cats struggled to score after that.

Wesley Iwundu got a big tip in off a missed free throw followed by a big rebound on the other end to pull the ‘Cats to within 56-52 with 8 minutes to play.

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‘Cats took a 60-59 lead with just over 4 minutes to play but couldn’t hang on.

One of the big differences in the game was shooting. Kansas State shot just 38% to 48% for the guys from Douglas County.

The Kansas State Wildcats basketball season, roller coaster ride will continue on Saturday morning in Morgantown against another ranked team.