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After beginning their 2024 campaign with a 24-point win over the New Orleans Privateers, the Kansas State Wildcats marched into Bramlage Coliseum to take on the Cleveland State Vikings. Kansas State leads the overall series 3-0, a record that has stood since their last meeting in December 2010, when the Frank Martin-led Wildcats won 85-56. David N'Guessan entered the game following a double-double performance against New Orleans, where the senior posted 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Tales from the First Half
The opening minutes saw a stalemate between both squads. Cleveland State struggled with their execution, while Kansas State capitalized on their opponents' early defensive communication issues. Brandon Hausen's and-one three-pointer helped the Wildcats jump out to a 12-6 lead five minutes into the opening half.
Over the next ten minutes, Cleveland State kept pace with Kansas State, but their 0-6 shooting from behind the three-point arc left them trailing by 10 with six minutes remaining in the first half. Both teams were even in turnovers and points off turnovers. Kansas State held a slight edge in rebounds, 9-8.
Halftime Report
Kansas State led Cleveland State 36-24, shooting 52% from the field in the first half. Brandon Hausen emerged as the leading scorer with 10 points on 3-5 shooting. Transfer wing Coleman Hawkins, after a slow start, finished the opening half with 6 points while orchestrating the Kansas State offense.
The Wildcats held the advantage in defensive rebounds, 10-6, but Cleveland State outperformed them in offensive rebounds, pulling down 10 compared to Kansas State's 6.
Kansas State displayed a balanced attack with six players contributing points, though Hausen was the only Wildcat in double digits, thanks to his pair of three-pointers.
Head Coach Jerome Tang's team showed improved defense compared to Tuesday's season opener against New Orleans, contributing to the Vikings' shooting woes.
Tales of the Second Half
Buddy Rich sank a three-pointer five minutes into the second half, extending Kansas State's lead to 51-32. Brandon Hausen continued his strong play, drawing a charging call after making a three-pointer earlier in the half.
With 8:23 left in the game, Cleveland State began to narrow the gap, reducing Kansas State's lead to 15 points. The Wildcats showed some early-season miscues on offense, with errant passes leading to easy points for Cleveland State.
Despite Cleveland State's continued efforts, Hausen's consistent shooting kept them at bay.
Post-game Thoughts
Kansas State secured a 77-64 victory over Cleveland State. Brandon Hausen led the Wildcats in scoring with 22 points on 7-10 shooting, including 6-9 from three-point range. Coleman Hawkins contributed 12 points, while David N'Guessan added 12 points on perfect shooting.
The Wildcats displayed some early-season issues on both offense and defense. Errant passes on offense and defensive lapses led to open corner threes for the Vikings. With this win, Kansas State improves to 2-0 on the season and now prepares to address these areas during the second half of their basketball doubleheader this upcoming Thursday.
Tune into Wildcat 91.9 for comprehensive Kansas State Basketball coverage throughout the 2024-25 season.
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