Kansas State Basketball put Saturday’s embarrassing loss in their rear-view mirror and knocked off the Frogs in Fort Worth 75-74.
Nobody knew just what Bruce Weber’s team would do after Saturday’s nightmare in Norman.
Coming into the game, Kansas State was 3-5 on the road and at home in Big 12 action. Both teams knew a win would keep their dreams alive for a possible NCAA tournament berth.
The difference in this game: Rebounding, some clutch free throws in the final seconds and the play of Dean Wade.
On the Wildcat’s opening possession, Wade didn’t hesitate and hit a shot from beyond the arc.
He came right back for another three-pointer a couple of minutes later.
However, with just over 16 minutes to play in the half, Bruce Weber put Wade on the bench? I was dumfounded? He needed to be in the action.
Despite that, the Cats in their sharp black uniforms looked like the team we’ve enjoyed watching at times this season. They were aggressive and confident. Coach Weber also had them playing some zone defense in the first 20 minutes. As a result, the Wildcats had a comfortable 40-29 lead at the half.
Wade scored on a dunk to open the Wildcat scoring in the second half but picked up his second and third fouls and went to the bench again at just over 2 minutes into the half.
Fortunately, he wasn’t on the bench long.
When it looked like the Wildcats would fade away, Wade grabbed a rebound, did a spin in the lane for a layup with 2:23 to play to give them a 66- 63 lead.
He followed that a minute later with his 4th three-pointer of the game to give Kansas State a 4-point lead. He led the ‘Cats with 20 points. He also grabbed 6 rebounds as the ‘Cats won the battle on the glass.
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D.J. Johnson looked as healthy as he he’s been in a month and scored a couple of early baskets and free throws.
He also hit two big free throws along with four clutch free throws by Kamau Stokes in final 21 seconds to seal the victory.
Every win this time of year is huge and the ‘Cats needed this revenge win on their NCAA tourney resume.