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In a rugged, defensive battle, Kansas State men's basketball secured a hard-fought 54-49 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats on Wednesday night. The victory marked K-State’s second straight win and improved their record to 15-15 overall and 9-10 in Big 12 play.
Despite offensive struggles, the Wildcats leaned on their defensive intensity and rebounding to grind out the victory, setting up a crucial Senior Day matchup against Iowa State to close out the regular season.
David N’Guessan Leads the Way
Senior forward David N’Guessan turned in another stellar performance, leading the Wildcats with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. His effort on both ends of the floor made a significant impact, as he ran the floor well and created scoring opportunities through sheer hustle.
N'Guessan defensive work was just as impressive, holding Cincinnati’s starting forwards to a combined 11 points. As he prepares to take the court for his final home game on Saturday, he’s sure to receive a well-deserved ovation for his contributions to the program all during Tang’s Tenure.
Coleman Hawkins Provides a Boost
Returning from injury, Coleman Hawkins wasn’t at full strength but still made his presence felt. The senior forward finished with nine points and eight rebounds, impacting the game with his defensive effort and playmaking ability.
While he struggled with six turnovers, Hawkins' court vision helped open up scoring opportunities for teammates, particularly N’Guessan. His defensive highlight of the night came late in the game when he stayed disciplined against Cincinnati’s Aziz Bandaogo, blocking a key shot to maintain K-State’s lead. As he continues to regain his form, his presence will be crucial for the Wildcats' postseason hopes.
Defense Carries the Day
For the second straight game, K-State’s defense was the deciding factor. The Wildcats held Cincinnati to just 36% shooting from the field and limited them to two made three-pointers all night. More importantly, they avoided sending the Bearcats to the free-throw line frequently, allowing just 11 total attempts.
K-State’s perimeter defenders, led by Dug McDaniel and Max Jones, kept Cincinnati’s guards in check, holding Jizzle James to just 10 points. In a game where offensive execution was inconsistent, the Wildcats’ ability to lock in defensively proved to be the difference.
Unit Grades
Backcourt: B
Dug McDaniel led the way with 13 points and four assists, though he shot just 5-for-14 from the field. He hit a crucial three-pointer and remained steady at the free-throw line, where every point was vital in a low-scoring game.
Max Jones contributed nine points and seven rebounds while attacking the basket effectively despite a tough shooting night from deep (1-of-6 3PT). Brendan Hausen struggled from beyond the arc (0-of-5) but played strong defense and sealed the game with three clutch free throws.
Frontcourt: A-
David N’Guessan was the best player on the court, finishing with a dominant double-double and making his presence felt in every facet of the game.
Coleman Hawkins, despite some turnovers, provided crucial rebounding and defense in his return to the lineup. Ugonna Onyenso played limited minutes but provided rim protection, helping K-State control the paint against a physical Cincinnati squad.
Looking Ahead
With momentum on their side, Kansas State now turns its attention to Saturday’s Senior Day clash against Iowa State. The Wildcats will need another strong defensive effort to finish the regular season on a high note and enter postseason play with confidence.
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