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Basketball Thoughts on K-State regular season finale win | ISU 56, KSU 61

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Grant Flanders

Guest
K-State finishes regular season winning 3 out of their last 4 games

I almost would have liked Rasir Bolton to play as long as it meant K-State still got the win. But with Bolton out it allowed K-State to look really good on defense. Regardless it was refreshing to see a game where the Wildcats really handled their opponent and controlled the pace resulting in a somewhat comfortable victory for this teams standards. Iowa State failed to cut the deficit below 5 points in the last 12 minutes of the game.

It is a nice win to finish the regular season and puts K-State at 4 conference wins which is one more than they were able to manage last year.

Iowa State hung around on the scoreboard for the most part, but it was clear Cyclone points were few and far between without their best player. K-State managed to get the lead to as much as 12 but they never held a double-digit lead for very long.

Both teams had virtually zero offense in the second half. Iowa State made only 2 of the their 15 second half 3-point tries. 26% was K-State’s second half field goal percentage.

DaJuan Gordon was great in the first half making all of his shots including 2 three-pointers. He dealt with a little foul trouble picking up his third early foul early in the second half.

Nijel Pack was solid. Didn’t shoot it super consistently but he did make some tough ones off the dribble and barely missed on a few others.

Selton Miguel found his groove as a facilitator by totaling 7 assists. He hadn’t had a 5+ assist game in almost a month. He also shot it better for his 9 points.

Mike McGuirl led the team with 17 points with 12 of those coming in the 2nd half. His performance at the free throw line in the 2nd really sealed the deal for the Wildcats.

This win is good for the team. The whole season has been a long and tough one but they were able to finish by winning 3 of their last 4 with a promising young nucleus and give hope for the future.

At the helm is clearly Nijel Pack. Davion Bradford, Selton Miguel, and DaJuan Gordon are three really solid young players they can also build around and expect to only get better next season. If Mike McGuirl chooses to return that will no doubt help the Wildcats too as a 6th year senior with a ton of experience. The off season will be interesting to watch to see who departs for K-State and who will be added.

For now we look ahead to the Big 12 tournament where K-State plays TCU on Wednesday for chance to keep their season alive. Win or lose the experience in Kansas City will be invaluable for this still growing team going into the offseason.

I’m writing this before talking to coach in the presser but it doesn’t sound like we will have promising news about Antonio Gordon’s future or at least current status. Will find out the scoop here shortly.
 
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