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The Kansas State men’s basketball team faced its first significant challenge of the season on Thursday night, hosting LSU in a marquee non-conference matchup at Bramlage Coliseum.
To simply put it, the Cats weren’t ready.
LSU dominated the Wildcats in every phase on its way to a 76-65 victory in a rare early-season clash between Big 12 and SEC teams.
The Wildcats started strong, holding a narrow lead midway through the first half after a jumper by junior C.J. Jones put them up 21-20 with 9:30 remaining. However, the momentum quickly shifted. LSU’s aggressive rebounding, efficient 3-point shooting, and fast-break execution propelled the Tigers on a 23-10 run to close the half, leaving K-State trailing 43-31 at the break.
Kansas State briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the opening minutes of the second half, pulling within nine points on a free throw by Jones and a layup by David N’Guessan. But LSU senior Jordan Sears drained a key 3-pointer to spark a 7-0 run, extending the Tigers' lead to 56-40 with just over 10 minutes left. The Wildcats were unable to recover, as the gap remained in double digits for the rest of the game.
N’Guessan led the Wildcats with 16 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, including one 3-pointer, and adding five rebounds, two steals, and an assist. Guard Tylor McDaniel also contributed with 15 points, a game-high five assists, and two steals, shooting 7-of-15 overall and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Successful Homecoming for Killa Cam
During pregame festivities at Bramlage Coliseum on Thursday night, Kansas State fans took a moment to acknowledge a familiar face: senior guard Carter, who spent the past two seasons making key contributions for the Wildcats.
Despite K-State’s struggles last season, Carter delivered several standout performances on his former home court. On this night, however, he added another impressive showing—this time as a member of the LSU Tigers. Carter poured in a team-high 20 points, leading four LSU players in double figures during the Tigers’ 76-65 victory over the Wildcats.
Carter shot an efficient 6-of-11 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and repeatedly delivered when LSU needed clutch baskets. Whether it was draining a triple or attacking the paint, the former Wildcat appeared more at ease in Bramlage than anyone on the current K-State roster.
His performance served as a poignant reminder of his talent, even as the Wildcats struggled to match his energy on a night filled with emotions and missed opportunities.
Dug McDaniel’s best game so far
Dug McDaniel made an immediate impact in his first start as a Kansas State Wildcat on Thursday night, showing flashes of why the Michigan transfer could be a difference-maker this season.
The sophomore guard posted 16 points and five assists in the Wildcats' 76-65 loss to LSU, setting the tone early with a dynamic first-half performance. McDaniel tallied 10 points and three assists in the opening 10 minutes without committing a turnover, demonstrating poise and efficiency as the team’s floor general.
McDaniel’s court vision stood out as a highlight of his game. His ability to find open teammates, even across the court, offered a glimpse of the offensive upside he brings to the lineup. As K-State looks to solidify its rotation, McDaniel’s playmaking and leadership will be key to the Wildcats' success moving forward.
There’s Talent, but Troubling Signs
Dropping a home game in a manageable non-conference slate is far from ideal for Kansas State’s NCAA Tournament aspirations. While Thursday's 76-65 loss to LSU is just the third game of the season, it was a troubling sign for head coach Jerome Tang’s third campaign, particularly given the team’s increased talent compared to last year.
The Wildcats struggled across the board. There was no offensive rhythm, transition defense was nonexistent, rebounding lacked urgency, and body language on the court hinted at deeper frustrations. Outside of solid performances from Dug McDaniel and David N’Guessan, positives were hard to come by.
Even the timing of the loss, early enough to allow for corrections, does little to inspire confidence when considering the daunting Big 12 slate awaiting in January. For a team with heightened expectations, Thursday’s performance served as a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.
In the meantime, a home game next Tuesday with Mississippi Valley State will be the Wildcats’ final tune-up before heading to St. Thomas for three-game event that may give these Cats much-needed time to work on playing a more effective style of basketball.
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