MANHATTAN, Kansas — In an impressive matchup, Dug McDaniel scored a personal best of 24 points, leading Kansas State to a thrilling 73-70 victory over the 13th-ranked Arizona on Tuesday night. This win marked the Wildcats’ sixth consecutive triumph, with four of those victories against ranked teams.
David N’Guessan also played a significant role in the win, contributing 16 points and securing seven rebounds for Kansas State, now boasting a record of 13-11 and 7-6 in the Big 12 after previously enduring a six-game losing streak. C.J. Jones chipped in with 10 points, while McDaniel added impressive defensive stats, tallying five steals, four rebounds, and three assists.
For Arizona, which now stands at 17-7 and 11-2 in their conference, KJ Lewis led their scoring with 15 points coming off the bench. The Wildcats suffered a heart-wrenching loss as they attempted a desperate shot in the final seconds that did not connect, bringing their six-game winning streak to an abrupt end. Jaden Bradley contributed 13 points, while Henri Veesaar and Tobe Awaka added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Kansas State concluded the first half with a significant 13-0 run, taking a 35-29 advantage into halftime. This momentum shift proved critical for the Wildcats as they leveraged their energy for the remainder of the game.
A notable takeaway for Arizona is the challenge of winning on the road within the Big 12, especially against one of the most formidable teams at the moment. Meanwhile, Kansas State is showcasing their potential as a competitive NCAA Tournament contender. Continued success in future Big 12 games could solidify their position convincingly.
A key moment in the match occurred when Lewis committed a foul against Max Jones during a three-point attempt late in the first half. This led to three free throws that tilted the score to 32-29 in favor of Kansas State, crucial in maintaining their lead.
Both teams struggled significantly from beyond the arc; Arizona managed a dismal 2-for-22, while Kansas State fared only slightly better at 1-for-19.
Looking ahead, Arizona will host No. 6 Houston on Saturday, while Kansas State is set to visit BYU on the same day, both teams aiming to continue their respective journeys in the season.
