Johnson Leads Kansas State Past Texas Tech
By Stan Unruh
Kansas State finished their regular season at home on Saturday. The Wildcats picked up a huge win over Texas Tech 61-48.
Oklahoma blew out Bruce Weber’s team a week ago. Since that embarrassing 30-point loss they’ve picked up two big wins.
Kansas State earned a one-point win at TCU on Wednesday. Saturday’s victory on Senior Day will help them in their quest to earn an NCAA Tourney bid.
After suffering a wild, one-point loss to the Red Raiders in Lubbock, the ‘Cats needed to start fast Saturday and they did. Senior Wesley Iwundu hit a jumper on the ‘Cats opening possession.
Kansas State forced Tech into 3 early shot clock violations including the Raider’s opening possession.
Although the ‘Cats played great defense, Tech was on fire from beyond the arc and made an 11-zip run to overcome an early 9-0 deficit.
This is where Kansas State impressed me. How would the team deal with this frustration? They were scoring, playing good defense and trailing.
Kansas State did not get discouraged. Dean Wade and D.J. Johnson hit big shots and the ‘Cats went on a 19-3 run of their own.
The ‘Cats great ball movement contributed to some outstanding offense rhythm.
Dean Wade looked comfortable and Johnson’s strong play in the paint led to 12 first half points and a 34-22 Wildcat lead at the break.
The ‘Cats started the second half just as they ended the first.
Dean Wade made an aggressive move to the basket to open the scoring. The play set the the tone for the final 20 minutes.
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Kansas State got just what they needed throughout the second half including big contributions from Isaiah Maurice, Xavier Sneed and Brian Patrick.
As a result, Bruce Weber was able to get most of the bench players on the court in the final minute.
Johnson had 19 for the game. Wade contributed 11 points, Iwundu had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
As a result, this 19th win on the season, gives Kansas State the 6th seed in the Big 12 tournament.