The Wildcats early defensive efforts featuring four glass-shattering blocks from guard Desi Sills was not enough to advance to the Big 12 semifinals. Kansas State fell in head coach Jerome Tang’s Big 12 tournament debut game vs. TCU 80-67.
K-State started off the game strong, going up 11-2 in the first four minutes of the game featuring multiple steals from the Wildcats. The Horned Frogs quickly came back and took a 19-18 lead off back-to-back 3’s from Mike Miles Jr.
The lead shifted back-and-forth in the half until another TCU 3, this time from Micah Peavy, leading 28-25 with 5:50 left. The Horned Frogs held the lead from then on out.
TCU held a 37-32 lead at the half, propelled by their 3-point shooting which continued into the second half. Miles Jr. and Chuck O’Bannon Jr. fired away from beyond the arc to finish off K-State. Each made four 3’s and 22 points on the night while the Wildcats shot 23% from the 3-point line.
Related:
K-State March Madness Resume
Along with struggles shooting, including a 1-9 shooting performance from 3 from guard Markquis Nowell, K-State once again failed to keep the ball in its hands, committing 20 turnovers.
Sills, Nowell and forwards Keyontae Johnson and Nae’Qwan Tomlin all scored in double digits on the night despite the loss.
K-State must wait until 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12, to learn when and where they’ll play their next game and against who. The Selection Sunday show will reveal how high a seed the Wildcats earned in their first year under Tang.
