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.