For the first time since 2003, Kansas State women’s basketball NCAA tournament was held on the home court at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday.
The Manhattan portion of the tournament started with two seed Stanford versus 15 seed New Mexico State. Stanford pulled ahead late to win 72-64 and plays K-State on Monday.
K-State women hosted Drake in the second game of the day, where they Wildcats 67-54.
At the end of the first half, the Wildcats led the Bulldogs 30-25. K-State’s high-scoring players in the first half included senior center Breanna Lewis scored 10 points, senior guard Kindred Wesemann scored six and freshman forward Peyton Williams scored four.
In the second half, the Wildcats threw some challenges that the Bulldogs struggled with. Although there were multiple fouls on both sides, the Wildcats were able to take those challenges and use them to their advantage, scoring every chance they got.
Drake, a team that averages 83 points per game, missed their times to shine and advance past the Wildcats.
Overall, K-State had two high-scoring players during the game, led by Lewis’ 23 and Wesemann’s 16.
Thousands of fans came out today to support Drake and K-State, but it was still the Wildcat family that shined through.
“Ours fans are one of the best in the country,” Wesemann said. “They were so loud and brought the energy into the court.”
“Great tournament environment,” said head coach Jeff Mittie. “I think our fans make it better even more than it already was.”
Mittie said he was proud of his team because of their effort, growth and how they were able to take control of the court from Drake, as well as execute everything they have learned.
“I thought our defense was outstanding,” Mittie said. “I thought our group had good awareness, connectivity and communication.”
“At the end of the day, our job is to play good basketball, that is our job as coaches and players,” Mittie said. “They love the game and they play it great.”
K-State play Stanford on Monday at home in Bramlage Coliseum for the second round.
