Kansas State Fights, Gets Road Win at Texas
By Stan Unruh
Kansas State basketball was desperate to end a 3-game losing streak on Saturday. The Wildcats got off to a great start and big finish to beat Texas 64-61.
In this roller coaster of a college basketball season, Kansas State entered Saturday’s battle in Austin with a 4-5 record in Big 12 road games. Bruce Weber’s Wildcats needed a victory for so many reasons.
Having D.J. Johnson back in the lineup was huge on Saturday.
His tip in and free throw in the final seconds were the margin of victory. Johnson’s senior leadership and toughness were critical to the victory. Johnson’s ankle, injured in the Sunflower Showdown, is far from 100 percent.
I was especially encouraged when early in the Texas battle, he made his first bucket since the final minutes of the Sunflower Showdown.
Beyond their good looking black uniforms, the Wildcats did not look like the lethargic team we saw on Wednesday against Iowa State.
In addition, the ‘Cats had good help defense on Texas’ opening possession. That set the tone early.
Wesley Iwundu hit a nice turnaround jumper on the ‘Cat’s first possession on the way to 12 first half points including a pair of 3s.
In fact, the first half was a 3-point shooting contest. Kansas State hit 7-threes at 88 percent and 76 percent shooting overall in the first half. The ‘Cats shot 53% for the game. ) The Horns had 6 threes in the opening 20 minutes.
More from Jug of Snyder
- BetMGM Kansas Bonus Code: March Madness Fans Get $1,000 Offer
- Montana State vs. Kansas State prediction and odds for NCAA Tournament First Round
- Watch the Kansas State Wildcats react to being selected for the NCAA Tournament
- March Madness schedule: When do the K-State Wildcats play next? (Updated Round of 64)
- Every Kansas State Wildcats potential March Madness venue in 2023 NCAA Tournament
Just as he did to end the game, DJ Johnson got a big bucket to start the 2nd half
Although D.J. had a tough time moving defensively on the injured ankle, the Wildcats got outstand help side defense Saturday. It was huge factor in keeping the Longhorn big man Jarrett Allen from doing what he does.
They limited Allen to 4 rebounds and only 12 points. Kansas State also won battle on the board 23-21.
I disagreed with the Austin Budke ejection. Fortunately, it didn’t have an impact on the outcome.
Kansas State led the game for almost 36 minutes and battled big in the final seconds to get a critical win to enhance their NCAA tournament resume.
Bruce Weber’s guys will need to play the same way when they tangle with Oklahoma State on Wednesday.