MANHATTAN, Kan. — In an impressive display of teamwork and skill, No. 12 Kansas State triumphed over rival Kansas with a score of 90-60 on Saturday, highlighting a significant moment with the return of All-American Ayoka Lee. Taryn Sides led the Wildcats with 15 points, while Sernea Sundell made history by setting a new school record with 15 assists.

Lee had been sidelined for eight games due to a leg injury but made a brief but impactful return, contributing six points in just five minutes of play. The seasoned player opened the game with a layup, allowing Kansas State to take the lead at 4-3, a lead they maintained for the rest of the match, making it a memorable Senior Day celebration.

Temira Poindexter also added to the scoring effort for the Wildcats, contributing 14 points, while Gisela Sanchez and Zyanna Walker each scored 12 points, and Kennedy Taylor contributed 10. Notably, Sundell became the third player in Kansas State history to exceed 200 assists in a season, alongside scoring nine points herself. A total of 10 players from the Wildcats contributed to the scoreboard in the game.

For the Jayhawks, Elle Evans led with 15 points, supported by Zoe Canfield who added 12 points, followed closely by Regan Williams with 10. Although Kansas managed to hit 10 out of 20 attempts from beyond the arc, they struggled with a shooting percentage of only 28.6% inside the three-point line.

In a dominating display, Kansas State achieved an overall shooting percentage of 53%, including connection on 13 of 28 three-point attempts, five of which were made by Sides. In addition to her scoring, Sides facilitated the offensive flow by registering six assists, contributing to the team’s total of 28 assists on 34 made baskets.

The Wildcats led decisively, shooting an impressive 60% in the first quarter and establishing a substantial 26-12 lead. They grew the lead to as many as 19 points during the second quarter, ultimately heading into halftime with a score of 46-31, highlighted by Sides’ buzzer-beating three-pointer.

In the first half, Kansas State led in multiple categories, shooting 57% while the Jayhawks managed to hit six three-pointers but struggled overall with just 31.3% shooting from inside the arc. Kansas State dominated the rebounding battle, securing 10 more boards than Kansas.

Looking ahead, No. 19 Baylor is set to visit Kansas State on Monday, while Kansas prepares to face BYU on Tuesday.