**MANHATTAN** — Kansas State’s hopes of carrying momentum into the Big 12 Tournament were dashed Saturday as No. 10 Iowa State dominated the Wildcats in a 73-57 victory at Bramlage Coliseum. Despite a spirited senior day crowd, K-State (15-16, 9-11 Big 12) fell below .500 for the season, while Iowa State (23-8, 13-7) snapped a three-game skid and heads into the postseason on a high note.
**How It Unfolded:**
Iowa State took control early, breaking a 2-2 tie with six straight points and never looked back. K-State closed the first half with a 6-0 run but still trailed 34-26 at halftime. The Wildcats couldn’t cut the deficit below six in the second half, as Iowa State’s defense and efficient offense proved too much to handle.
**Standout Performances:**
– **Iowa State**: Curtis Jones led the charge with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Joshua Jefferson added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Dishon Jackson chipped in 11 points.
– **K-State**: Senior David N’Guessan shined in his final home game, posting 19 points and 7 rebounds. Dug McDaniel contributed 14 points and 6 assists, but the Wildcats struggled to find consistent offense.
**Key Stats:**
– Iowa State shot 56% in the first half and dominated points off turnovers (14-0).
– K-State went just 2-of-14 from three-point range and couldn’t capitalize on Iowa State’s brief second-half miscues.
**Turning Points:**
– Iowa State’s 11-0 run early in the second half extended their lead to 51-34, effectively putting the game out of reach.
– K-State’s offense sputtered, going scoreless for over three minutes during that stretch while committing four turnovers.
**Senior Day Struggles:**
Despite N’Guessan’s strong performance, K-State couldn’t overcome Iowa State’s physicality and precision. The Cyclones outscored the Wildcats 18-14 in the paint and capitalized on K-State’s mistakes, leaving little room for a comeback.
**What’s Next:**
K-State heads to the Big 12 Tournament with a 15-16 record, while Iowa State looks to build on this win as they prepare for postseason play. For the Wildcats, the focus now shifts to regrouping and making a run in Kansas City.
**Final:** Iowa State 73, Kansas State 57. The Cyclones never trailed, handing K-State a tough end to the regular season.
Leave a Reply