The Kansas State Wildcats suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Drake Bulldogs in overtime, despite a valiant comeback effort. Drake's stifling defense and the stellar performances of Mitch Mascari and Bennett Stirtz proved too much for Kansas State to overcome.
That record fell to 12-1 against Drake University, as the Wildcats were unable to complete their comeback Tuesday night. Here are a few takeaways from the dramatic ending in Kansas City:Drake boasts the country's second-best scoring defense, which was a focal point for Tang and the Wildcats. The first 15 minutes illustrated their defensive tenacity, as Kansas State failed to get anything offensively, especially from 3-point range.
In turn, Drake's offense was able to score fast instead of their typical slow-drive possessions.Last week, Kansas State's downfall came in their lackluster second-half performance against St. John's. This time, they were the ones who rallied to nearly hand Drake its first loss this season. Max Jones hit the team's first three with just five minutes in the first half, fueling the comeback that poured into the rest of the game. Even for the loss, this adversity displayed their ability to bounce back.Former Northwest Missouri State guards Mitch Mascari and Bennett Stirtz have headlined Drake's success under Ben McCollum's wing this season. They stole the show against the Wildcats, combining for 47 points on 16-of-24 shooting from the field. Mascari had eight 3-pointers, including six in the first half, seemingly getting whatever he wanted with his unguardable circus shots. Meanwhile, Stirtz had 22 points, four assists, and three steals, including the game-winner in overtime.Aside from Coleman Hawkins' game-tying three in overtime, Kansas State hit zero field goals in the game's last 9.5 minutes. They couldn't score to build their second-half lead and relied on points from the line to keep up with Drake in the extra period. They also shot 55 percent from the free-throw line, adding to their disparities in that category this season
College Basketball Kansas State Wildcats Drake Bulldogs Mitch Mascari Bennett Stirtz
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kansas State Wildcats take on the Drake BulldogsThe Kansas State Wildcats square off against the Drake Bulldogs at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Tuesday's meeting is the first this season for the two squads. Kansas State is 4-1 at home, and Drake is 1-0 on the road.
Read more »
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones - Final ScoreView the Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones football game played on November 30, 2024. Box score, stats, odds, highlights, play-by-play, social & more.
Read more »
Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman Praises Defensive Performance Against Iowa StateIowa State quarterback Rocco Becht posted season lows against the Kansas State Wildcats.
Read more »
Kansas State Wildcats Dismiss Forward Achor AchorThe Wildcats parted ways with the K-State transfer Wednesday afternoon.
Read more »
Cincinnati Bearcats Football Keys To The Game: Kansas State WildcatsCincinnati Bearcats Football Keys To The Game: Kansas State Wildcats
Read more »
Kansas State Coach Jerome Tang Prepares for Tough Challenge Against Undefeated DrakeKansas State coach Jerome Tang analyzes Drake's strengths ahead of their matchup, highlighting their strong defense, role-playing, and experienced coaching staff led by Ben McCollum, a four-time NCAA champion.
Read more »