A strong second half vaults Kansas State past Texas in the Big 12 Tournament

The Cardiac 'Cats are back! Kansas State comes back from a 10-point deficit at halftime to beat the Texas Longhorns 78-74 in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas State struggled early on in the game going down 9-2 within the first couple minutes of the game. The Wildcats tied it up and even took the lead about midway through the first half. However, missed shots and turnovers plagued K-State again.

The Wildcats seemed to be going down a familiar road with eight turnovers in the first half versus the Longhorns four. Texas also scored 14 off of turnovers, helping them to a 10-point lead at the break.

The second half was a different story for the Wildcats. K-State started the half on a 7-0 run behind Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma and his ability to get to the basket. Texas was able to keep some space between themselves and Kansas State for a little bit behind the excellent play and leading scorer Max Abmas.

However, Kansas State was able to take the lead with about 12 minutes left in the second half thanks to a timely long three-pointer by Kansas State's leading scorer Tylor Perry. Perry was elite for the Wildcats, especially in the second half scoring 21 points in the game.

Perry shot well from beyond the arc making four of the Wildcats' five three-pointers. Cam Carter and Kaluma also added to the scoring with 10 and 14 points. David N'Guessan came off the bench to score 13 points and grab six boards.

A small amount of turnovers is what helped the Wildcats the most. Just two turnovers in the second half helped K-State get quality shots and not give Texas any extra possessions. The Wildcats also shot fairly well from the free-throw line going 23 for 31.

After one quick lead change after Perry's lead-changing three-pointer, the Wildcats took the lead back and did not relinquish it for the rest of the game.

Kansas State got away with not having to play full great game against Texas, but every game going forward will be that much harder for the Wildcats. K-State will now face the two-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in the quarterfinals.

The Wildcats just upset the Cyclones in the regular season finale, so revenge might be one of Iowa State's minds. However, playing this team so soon might be good for Kansas State because if they can play the way they did in the season finale and the second half of the game against Texas, K-State could find themselves in the semifinals and have a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

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