CINCINNATI — David N’Guessan made a significant impact with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Dug McDaniel contributed 13 points in Kansas State’s narrow victory over Cincinnati, finalizing the score at 54-49 on Wednesday evening.
During a decisive phase in the second half, N’Guessan managed to score eight points, and McDaniel added six as Kansas State (15-15, 9-10 Big 12) took charge of the game, outscoring Cincinnati 14-8. This critical push granted the Wildcats a comfortable seven-point edge. The pivotal sequence concluded with N’Guessan’s impressive layup and jumper, supplemented by a jumper from McDaniel, earning Kansas State a 52-45 advantage with precisely four minutes left on the clock.
However, Kansas State’s momentum briefly halted as their subsequent four attempts encountered poor execution, resulting in a turnover alongside three missed shots. This allowed Cincinnati’s Jizzle James to respond with two successful baskets, tightening the score to 52-49.
In the game’s closing moments, Brendan Hausen secured Kansas State’s lead by sinking two crucial free throws, pushing the score to 54-49 with only 22 seconds remaining. Despite Cincinnati’s desperate attempts, including two missed three-point shots, they were unable to overturn the Wildcats’ lead as the game time expired.
Cincinnati initially took a substantial seven-point lead with 14 and a half minutes left in the second half. However, Kansas State mounted a robust 8-0 run, capturing a 36-35 lead with 12 minutes left—a lead they hadn’t held since the early stages at 4-2.
Day Day Thomas scored 12 points and Jizzle James added 10 for Cincinnati, finishing with a 17-13 record overall and 7-12 in conference play.
For Kansas State, this victory marked their first consecutive wins since early February, as they prepare for their final regular-season match, currently sharing the eighth spot with West Virginia and TCU. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is tied with UCF for 12th place.
Upcoming, Kansas State will face No. 10 Iowa State at home on Saturday, while Cincinnati will travel to compete against Oklahoma State on the same day.
