In a nail-biting encounter, Coleman Hawkins delivered a stellar performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds, leading Kansas State to a 70-67 victory over No. 16 Cincinnati. This Big 12 conference opener on Monday night saw the Wildcats maintain a near wire-to-wire lead, handing the Bearcats a tough loss.
Key Contributions from Kansas State Players
The Wildcats (7-5, 1-0) snapped their three-game losing streak with notable performances:
- Coleman Hawkins: 20 points, 10 rebounds.
- Dug McDaniel: Added 17 points.
- David N’Guessan: Contributed 13 points.
- C.J. Jones: Sealed the game with four clutch free throws in the final 20 seconds.
Kansas State’s efforts helped them overcome a disappointing nonconference record and gain a solid start in their conference journey.
Late Drama and Decisive Plays
Kansas State held the lead for all but 24 seconds of the game. In the final moments:
- Aziz Bandaogo’s dunk narrowed the Wildcats’ lead to 65-63 with 27 seconds left.
- Hawkins made the first of two free throws, missing the second. However, Max Jones kept the ball alive, tapping it to C.J. Jones, who converted two crucial free throws.
- Bandaogo scored again with just 8.9 seconds on the clock, reducing the margin to one possession. Yet, C.J. Jones responded by making another free throw, ensuring Kansas State’s victory.
Cincinnati’s Standout Performers
Despite the loss, Cincinnati (10-2, 0-1) showcased strong individual efforts:
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Skillings Jr. | 18 | – |
| Dillon Mitchell | 15 | 11 |
However, the Bearcats’ 15 turnovers proved costly, leading to 15 points for the Wildcats, including two crucial turnovers in the final two minutes.
Critical Moments and Game-Changing Plays
A pivotal play came in the dying seconds when Max Jones kept Hawkins’ missed free throw alive, setting up C.J. Jones for two foul shots that gave the Wildcats much-needed breathing room.
Additionally, Kansas State overcame a tough night from beyond the arc, with sharpshooter Brendan Hausen hitting only one of his eight 3-point attempts. Their resilience and ability to capitalize on Cincinnati’s errors were instrumental in securing the win.
FAQs
1. How did Kansas State secure the win in the final seconds?
Kansas State relied on key plays from Max Jones and C.J. Jones. Max Jones kept a missed free throw alive, and C.J. Jones capitalized by making critical free throws to extend the Wildcats’ lead.
2. Who were the standout players for Kansas State?
Coleman Hawkins led with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Dug McDaniel contributed 17 points. C.J. Jones played a vital role in the final seconds, sealing the game with four free throws.
3. What were Cincinnati’s major challenges in this game?
Cincinnati committed 15 turnovers, resulting in 15 points for Kansas State. These mistakes, especially in the final minutes, proved costly.
4. How did Kansas State perform from the 3-point line?
Despite the win, Kansas State struggled from beyond the arc. Brendan Hausen, a key 3-point shooter, made only 1 of his 8 attempts.
5. What was the significance of this victory for Kansas State?
This win marked the end of a three-game losing streak and provided a strong start to their 20-game Big 12 conference schedule. It also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and capitalize on key moments.
