Kansas State women’s basketball advances to the second round of Big 12 tournament play after defeating Texas Tech 79-69 in a defensive battle.
Early in the first quarter, Texas Tech forward Bryn Gerlich went down with an aggravation of a leg injury, but she would be able to recover and play the rest of the game.
Offensively, both teams were able to score in different ways. The Red Raiders capitalized from behind the arch, shooting 33% from 3 with five in the first half.
The Wildcats were able to keep pace with low post-play, controlling the backboard and putting up points off the glass. The largest struggle for K-State in the first half was 3-point shooting, going 0-8 from behind the arch.
K-State was able to gain control and momentum back over the Red Raiders in the second half. Forward Sarah Shematsi broke K-State’s 3-point scoring drought, draining a 3 early in the half followed by a 10-4 K-State run.
Turnovers plagued Tech in the third quarter, as K-State capitalized with 11 points off of turnovers. K-State would grow their lead to 11 before the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, Texas Tech applied heavy pressure on K-State. The Wildcats fell victim to turnovers from the heightened pressure, with their lead chipped down to two points.
K-State guard Serena Sundell left the court after suffering a knee injury with under three minutes left in regulation. K-State quickly responded with a 3-pointer from Brylee Glen to put the Wildcats back up over five.
Guard Gabby Gregory sank two clutch free throws and safely inbounded the ball to end the game with a win for the Wildcats.
Gregory had an impressive performance putting up points off the glass, and ending the night with 26 points and seven rebounds. Sundell would come just shy of a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Red Raider Bre’Amber Scott led Texas Tech with a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds.
K-State advanced to the second round of the Big 12 tournament, playing against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
