Mandy
In a nail-biting finish at the Dan Snyder Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri, freshman Brandie Harrod delivered a dramatic game-winning layup with just one second left on the clock, lifting the Kansas State Wildcats to a thrilling 61-60 victory over No. 13 Mississippi on Sunday.
The matchup stayed tight throughout, with both sides exchanging leads and refusing to let the margin grow larger than four points in the fourth quarter.
Fourth-Quarter Thriller
The closing minutes were filled with pressure and clutch plays.
With the score tied at 56-56, Sira Thienou stepped to the line and knocked down two free throws, giving Ole Miss a 58-56 lead with 48 seconds left.
Kansas State responded immediately when Taryn Sides completed a three-point play, pushing the Wildcats ahead 59-58.
But the Rebels answered again as Cotie McMahon scored inside, reclaiming a 60-59 lead with only 16 seconds remaining.
Following a timeout, Kansas State set up one final opportunity.
Harrod, staying composed under pressure, drove to the basket and delivered the decisive layup, putting the Wildcats back on top 61-60 as the final second expired.
Kansas State Bench Steps Up
A significant factor in the Wildcats’ victory was the strong performance from their bench. Freshman Jordan Speiser posted a career-high 19 points, giving Kansas State an essential offensive boost.
Tess Heal also added 11 points, with both reserves logging 30 minutes due to foul issues for several starters.
Ole Miss Standouts
For Ole Miss (8-1), standout scorer Cotie McMahon led all players with 22 points, while Tianna Thompson came off the bench to chip in 12 points.
The Rebels opened the game with momentum, jumping out to a 10-2 lead, and later holding a 15-9 advantage before Kansas State’s late-quarter threes tied the score.
Game Flow By Quarters
First Half
- Ole Miss started strong and led 15-9 late in the first quarter.
- Kansas State stayed resilient as Izela Arenas and Speiser sank back-to-back 3-pointers, evening the score heading into the second quarter.
- The Rebels extended their advantage to 29-23, but the Wildcats fought back once more, trailing by only 31-28 at halftime.
Second Half
- Kansas State opened the third quarter with energy, using an 8-0 run to surge ahead 39-34.
- By the end of the third quarter, the teams were locked at 42-42, setting up the dramatic fourth-quarter showdown.
Historic Matchup Note
Sunday’s game marked only the second meeting between the two programs. Their previous matchup came 48 years ago, when Ole Miss claimed a 62-57 win.
Upcoming Games
- Kansas State: The Wildcats will host San Diego State on Wednesday.
- Ole Miss: The Rebels return home to face Wofford on Saturday.
Kansas State’s narrow 61-60 triumph over No. 13 Ole Miss showcased resilience, poise, and clutch performances from both its starters and bench players.
Freshman Brandie Harrod’s last-second layup not only delivered a dramatic win but also highlighted the growing confidence of a young Wildcats roster.
With key contributions from Jordan Speiser, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides, Kansas State proved they could compete with a nationally ranked opponent and finish strong in pressure moments.
This victory may become a turning point as the Wildcats look to build momentum in their upcoming games.
FAQs
Who scored the game-winning basket for Kansas State?
Freshman Brandie Harrod scored the winning layup with just one second remaining.
Which Kansas State player had a career performance?
Freshman Jordan Speiser recorded a career-high 19 points, playing a crucial role off the bench.
Who led Ole Miss in scoring?
Cotie McMahon led Ole Miss with 22 points, while Tianna Thompson added 12 from the bench.