K-State Women's Basketball Starts Their Busy Week Off With a Win

Serena Sundell preparing to pass the basketball during a home basketball game in Bramlage Coliseum. Courtesy: Reece Bachta Photography

No. 13 Kansas State (6-1) shut down the offense of the Central Arkansas Bears to start the year’s final month with a win. The Wildcat’s potent defense was on clear display, giving up only 39 points to one of the nation’s best three-point shooting teams. The Wildcats were all over the Bears on the offensive end, having five Wildcats in double figures, paving the way to an 86-39 win.  

Tacking another home blowout win to the resume for the Wildcats. K-State is now outscoring opponents in Bramlage Coliseum 530-297. The Wildcats were led by Serena Sundell who shot perfectly from the field in the first half. Sundell also moved into second all-time at Kansas State with career assists.  

Wildcat Warm-Up 

Opponent Matchup  

Central Arkansas should have been one of the tougher non-cons for the Wildcats this season. A good mismatch that leans towards Central Arkansas. The Bears came into the match ranked second in the nation for three-point baskets per game and 13 in 3-point percentage. Central Arkansas had three players averaging double figures. A good three-point squad might be able to take advantage of a slower K-State squad centered around Ayoka Lee.  

Tip-Off to Buzzer 

Quarter Breakdowns 

First Quarter-  

K-State Womens basketball was in complete control from the start in this one, leading 21-1 at one point in the first quarter. A great night defensively all started with nine steals, eight of which came from two different players, and held the Bears to just 22.2 shooting percentage. Zyanna Walker had five while Jaelyn Glenn had three steals to lead the Wildcats to a 29-5 lead after the first 10 minutes.  

Second Quarter-  

The second quarter was more of the same as the Wildcats just completely dominated. Allowing the Bears to break into double-digit scoring just before the halfway mark of the quarter, which at that point K-State had stretched its lead out to 31. Led by 10 from Sundell in the quarter the Wildcats led 52-13 at the half.  

Third Quarter-  

The third quarter followed suit of the previous two, complete domination from the Wildcats. K-State put up 25 in the third with nine coming from Taryn Sides going 3-3 from beyond the arc. The Wildcat defense held the Bears to just 12 and ended the quarter on a 16-2 run to lead, 77-25.  

Fourth Quarter-  

The Wildcats were actually outscored in the final quarter 14-9. K-State failed to find the bottom of the net for almost the last five minutes of the game. Shooting only 15 percent from the field, but held the Bears to just 33 percent, the highest out of any quarter for the bears. Despite the poor offense in the fourth quarter, Kansas State won by 47; 86-39.  

Courtside Conclusions 

Just an all around domination in the Wildcats first game back home after the two game stand in Vegas. Completely dominating both sides of the ball, holding the Bears to 2-19 from beyond the three-point line. Great offensive ball movement in the halfcourt, stonewall defense, and the ability to get out and run was on display from the top 15 ranked Wildcats. Head coach of K-State, Jeff Mittie, shared his thoughts on the game.  

“I think our ball movement has been really good against teams that don't pressure us much, but we get too stagnant against teams that do,” Mittie said. “When you look at the games where we've had big margins, our ball movement has been excellent.”  

K-State Leaders 

The Wildcats had 24 assists on the 31 made baskets, Sundell led the way with seven followed by Zyanna Walker with five. Sundell also led all scorers with 17, followed by the five other Wildcats in double figures. Sides deadeyed five from beyond the arc to score 15, and Lee bullied her way to 6 made baskets to finished with 12. The Wildcats won the rebound battle 37-23, and were led by Kennedy Taylor and Walker with seven boards.  

Future Focus 

A Look Ahead at the K-State Schedule  

A busy week might be an understatement for K-State, with four games in seven days. Central Arkansas was the beginning of the three game stand at home before the K-State travels to College Station to take on former Big 12 opponent Texas A&M. K-State faces Eastern Illinois on Tuesday and USC - Upstate on Thursday to close out the homestand, both of which tip-off at 6:30 p.m. The two remain home games this week and all other home games will be aired live here on Wildcat 91.9 FM.