March Madness 2023: Kansas State defeats Kentucky 75-69 314nh

Kansas State vs. Kentucky – Second Round NCAA tournament extended highlights 2z733c

In the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, the Kansas State Wildcats, seeded third, managed to overcome an eight-point deficit in the second half and defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, seeded sixth, 75-69.

Some clutch three-point shooting and an outstanding performance from point guard Markquis Nowell drove the victory. Even though Kansas State had missed its first 13 shots from beyond the arc, they managed to sink five of their next eight, which helped them advance to the Sweet 16.

NCAA March Madness

2023-03-19 20:54

NOWELL AGAIN OH MY GOODNESS ☔️ #MarchMadness @KStateMBB https://t.co/a9NA75YYmF

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Nowell scored 27 points and sank three of the team’s five three-pointers, helping the team secure a spot in the East Regional semifinals next week in New York. In the next round, Kansas State and first-year coach Jerome Tang will face either the No. 2 seed Marquette Golden Eagles or the No. 7 seed Michigan State Spartans.

Before Tang took over as the head coach, K-State had a dismal record of 34-58 over three seasons, with the team’s performance declining from being a frequent participant in the NCAA Tournament under Bruce Weber to becoming an easier opponent in the Big 12.

Surviving the change in command from Weber to Tang, Nowell continued to be a part of the team and developed into an All-Big 12 player this season. The 5-foot-8 increased his scoring output from 12.4 to 16.8 points per game, leading the league in both assists and steals.

The New York native displayed great tenacity during Sunday’s game as he fearlessly took charge in critical moments when his team desperately needed a basket. Two of his three-pointers during the second half helped to tie the game, while another brought Kansas State within just one point at the 3:33 mark. Then, as the game drew close, the 23-year-old made six consecutive free throws to secure the victory.

Bleacher Report

2023-03-19 21:13

How Kentucky fans feel after not making the Sweet 16 since 2019 https://t.co/t6g33wSZ8v

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From the other side of the court, Kentucky’s second and third leading scorers, Antonio Reeves and Jacob Toppin, struggled to make an impact. They could only contribute a combined total of seven points, recording a disappointing two of 22 shots.

The Athletic CBB

2023-03-19 21:36

Kentucky men’s basketball’s past five seasons: 2022-23: Lost in second round 2021-22: Lost in first round 2020-21: Missed tournament 2019-20: N/A 2018-19: Lost in regional final https://t.co/GeL08WEEHZ

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