K-State advances with second half resurgence against Texas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KSNT) – K-State basketball entered the Big 12 tournament needing a win to better its hopes of making the NCAA tournament.

The Wildcats used a big second half to get that done, beating Texas 78-74.

It wasn’t easy to get there. After K-State enjoyed a 16-15 start to the game to take the lead, a 24-13 Longhorn run gave Texas a 39-29 lead at the half.

The Wildcats came out of the locker room with energy, starting with a 7-0 run and forcing a Longhorn timeout two minutes into the frame. With 12 minutes to play, a Tylor Perry 3-pointer gave K-State a 48-47 lead.

K-State didn’t stop there. A Cam Carter free throw with four minutes to play gave the ‘Cats a 10-point lead.

Texas clawed back to make it close late. An intentional foul allowed Perry to knock down two free throws and Carter a layup to give K-State a 74-68 lead with 22 seconds to play.

With more free throws and defense, K-State was able to come out with the win, 78-74.

Perry led the team in scoring with 21. Arthur Kaluma added 14, David N’Guessan 13, Carter 10 and Dai Dai Ames 10.

With the win, K-State will face two-seed Iowa State on Thursday at 6.