Mandy
The Kansas State women’s basketball team secured its first Big 12 win of the season on Wednesday with an emphatic 79–52 triumph over Cincinnati at home in Manhattan, Kansas. While the final score reflected a decisive outcome, the contest was competitive early before the Wildcats surged ahead after halftime.
Slow Start, Steady Response Before the Break
The game opened with momentum favoring the visitors. The Cincinnati Bearcats jumped out to a 12–3 run in the first quarter, briefly putting pressure on the Wildcats.
Kansas State responded with improved ball movement and defensive adjustments, chipping away at the deficit throughout the second quarter.
By the time the teams headed into the locker room, the Wildcats had stabilized the game, leveling the score at 28–28 at halftime. The first half highlighted K-State’s resilience and set the stage for a dominant finish.
Explosive Third Quarter Turns the Game
Kansas State took complete control immediately after halftime. The Wildcats scored the first 15 points of the third quarter, flipping a tight game into a commanding lead within minutes.
That momentum carried through the remainder of the half, as K-State continued to pressure Cincinnati on both ends of the floor.
Late in the game, another strong scoring stretch sealed the outcome, ensuring the Wildcats walked away with a lopsided conference victory.
Shooting and Defense Define the Win
The numbers underscored Kansas State’s dominance:
- 43.3% shooting from the field
- 41.2% from three-point range
- Held Cincinnati to 30.8% overall shooting
- Limited the Bearcats to just 16.7% from beyond the arc
K-State’s perimeter defense disrupted Cincinnati’s offensive rhythm, while efficient shooting allowed the Wildcats to steadily widen the gap.
A Confidence-Boosting Conference Breakthrough
This performance marked an important milestone for Kansas State Wildcats, delivering their first win in the Big 12 Conference this season.
The victory not only adds to the standings but also provides valuable momentum as conference play continues.
For Cincinnati Bearcats, the night proved challenging, particularly against Kansas State’s second-half intensity and defensive discipline.
Kansas State’s 79–52 win over Cincinnati showcased patience, halftime adjustments, and complete second-half execution.
After weathering an early deficit, the Wildcats imposed their style with elite defense and efficient shooting, earning a crucial Big 12 conference victory.
Performances like this reinforce K-State’s potential as the season progresses and set a strong foundation for upcoming matchups.