In a surprising turn of events, Kansas State Wildcats secured an 80-61 victory over the third-ranked Iowa State Cyclones, marking a significant upset in men’s college basketball.
The win on Saturday was propelled by Kansas State’s diverse scoring, led by Dug McDaniel’s 20-point performance. The Wildcats demonstrated a balanced attack with five players achieving double figures, which was instrumental in their triumph over one of the top teams.
This victory ended a challenging 15-game road losing streak for Kansas State, including 12 losses within their conference, the Big 12. Notably, the Wildcats have now won three consecutive games, previously overcoming then-No. 23 West Virginia and Oklahoma State, suggesting a potential turnaround for the team this season.
Coleman Hawkins contributed significantly with 17 points, while Brendan Hausen added 15, further cementing the team’s collective effort and resilience. On the opposing side, Iowa State had Tamin Lipsey tie a season-high with 20 points, supported by Curtis Jones with 14 points and Joshua Jefferson with 13.
However, Iowa State’s performance was marred by 18 turnovers, a factor that critically impacted their gameplay. This number matched a season-high, reflecting persistent issues as they experienced back-to-back losses.
During the game, the Cyclones made a valiant attempt to regain control with a 13-0 run in the second half. Yet, their efforts were thwarted by Hausen’s crucial 3-pointer, which effectively diminished their hopes of a comeback.
Kansas State maintained its aggressive play, even as they matched a season-high of 22 fouls, underscoring their determination to secure a win against a top-tier opponent. The victory marked the Wildcats’ first triumph over a top-five team on the road since their win against then-No. 2 Baylor in 2017.
The Wildcats’ success against a formidable team like Iowa State may signal a promising shift in their season’s trajectory. As Kansas State prepares to face Arizona State next, the team will aim to build on this momentum.
