Hailey
K-State women’s basketball wrapped up its non-conference home schedule with a disappointing 64–53 loss to San Diego State on December 10, 2025, at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.
The matchup was the Wildcats’ final home game before conference play and also served as the team’s annual Education Day game, drawing a loud daytime crowd of students and fans.
K-State entered the contest with momentum and a strong December track record, but a prolonged offensive drought across the middle quarters proved too much to overcome. With the loss, the Wildcats dropped to 6–6 overall, while San Diego State improved to 6–3 on the season.
Game Flow and Quarter Breakdown
K-State opened the game with energy and efficiency, building an early lead behind solid ball movement and defensive pressure. However, that rhythm disappeared quickly after the first quarter.
| Quarter | San Diego State | K-State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 11 | 18 |
| 2nd Quarter | 18 | 8 |
| 3rd Quarter | 19 | 8 |
| 4th Quarter | 16 | 19 |
| Final | 64 | 53 |
The Wildcats were outscored 37–16 during the second and third quarters, allowing San Diego State to seize control. Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, the early deficit proved too large.
Shooting Struggles Tell the Story
The defining factor in the loss was K-State’s shooting slump. The Wildcats finished the game shooting just 33.3% from the field and struggled to convert high-percentage opportunities near the rim.
Key offensive challenges included:
- Second quarter: 3-for-14 shooting (21.4%)
- Third quarter: 2-for-13 shooting (15.4%)
- Free throws: 11-for-19 (57.9%)
- Turnovers: 20 total giveaways
Several extended scoreless stretches allowed San Diego State to build momentum, while missed free throws prevented K-State from trimming the lead when opportunities arose.
Individual Performances
Despite the loss, Taryn Sides delivered a strong all-around performance for the Wildcats. The junior guard led the team with 16 points, while also adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Her effort marked another milestone in a steadily growing collegiate career and kept K-State competitive during key stretches.
San Diego State’s backcourt proved decisive:
- Nat Martinez: 22 points
- Naomi Panganiban: 20 points
Their perimeter shooting and ability to attack off the dribble created consistent pressure on K-State’s defense.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Stat Category | San Diego State | K-State |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 40.0% | 33.3% |
| 3-Point % | 34.6% | 33.3% |
| Free Throw % | 73.3% | 57.9% |
| Rebounds | 37 | 32 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 20 |
| Steals | 14 | 6 |
San Diego State’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and convert free throws played a major role in controlling the game’s tempo.
Coaching Perspective and Lessons Learned
Head coach Jeff Mittie emphasized that the team struggled to respond when shots stopped falling, pointing to missed layups and a lack of sustained toughness.
The Wildcats showed flashes of defensive intensity but were unable to maintain consistency across all four quarters.
Players echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of urgency from the opening tip rather than waiting until the deficit grows.
What’s Next for the Wildcats
K-State will close out its non-conference schedule on the road against Creighton before turning full attention to Big 12 Conference play. The upcoming stretch will test the Wildcats’ ability to clean up turnovers, improve finishing, and maintain focus away from home.
The non-conference home finale highlighted both the potential and the growing pains of K-State women’s basketball. While the Wildcats showed energy early and late, prolonged shooting struggles and turnovers in the middle quarters ultimately decided the game.
If K-State can turn missed opportunities into points and sustain intensity for a full 40 minutes, the lessons from this loss could pay dividends as the season moves forward.