MANHATTAN, Kan. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Taryn Sides led the Kansas State Wildcats to a commanding 90-60 victory over their rivals, the Kansas Jayhawks. Sides scored 15 points, while Sernea Sundell made history by recording a remarkable 15 assists in a single game, setting a new school record. The game was particularly special for the Wildcats as it also marked a brief return of All-American Ayoka Lee, who contributed six points in just five minutes of play after missing eight games due to a leg injury.
Lee, a fifth-year player who has experienced a redshirt season as a freshman and injuries during her senior year, started strong with a layup on the first possession. She quickly helped the Wildcats seize the lead at 4-3, a lead they maintained for the remainder of the game, effectively celebrating Senior Day in style. Alongside Sides, Temira Poindexter made a solid contribution with 14 points, while Gisela Sanchez and Zyanna Walker each added 12 points, and Kennedy Taylor chipped in with 10 points. Sundell’s 15 assists made her the third player in Kansas State’s history to surpass 200 assists in a single season, adding nine points to her tally as well.
The Wildcats saw contributions from all 10 players who stepped onto the court, ensuring a well-rounded team effort. For the Jayhawks, Elle Evans was the standout player, scoring 15 points, followed closely by Zoe Canfield with 12 points and Regan Williams with 10 points.
On the shooting front, Kansas performed well from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 20 three-point attempts, but struggled inside, making only 10 of 35 attempts. In contrast, Kansas State displayed exceptional shooting, finishing the game with a 53% overall shooting percentage, including an impressive 13 of 28 from three-point range, highlighted by five successful shots from Sides. Sides also distributed the ball effectively, recording six assists as the Wildcats boasted a total of 28 assists on their 34 baskets.
The Wildcats started strong, shooting 60% in the first quarter and establishing a solid 26-12 lead. They extended their advantage to as many as 19 points during the second quarter and went into halftime with a comfortable 46-31 lead, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Sides. In the first half, Kansas State shot 57%, while Kansas managed to hit 6 of 12 from three-point range but struggled inside the arc with just 5 of 16.
As the season continues, Kansas State will look ahead to their next challenge against No. 19 Baylor on Monday, while Kansas prepares to travel to BYU on Tuesday.
