It was a lackluster performance in a winnable game.
K-State lost to Arizona State 66-54 Sunday in Bramlage Coliseum.
The score is misleading. The Sun Devils had the game in hand throughout when everyone was actually trying and led 66-45 with less than two minutes to play.
Arizona State (13-14, 4-12 Big 12) ended its 6-game losing streak by sending K-State (13-14, 7-9) to its third straight loss.
The bright spot? The Sun Devils’ Shawn Phillips Jr. missed two free throws with 42 seconds remaining, so the student got free bread sticks. Other than that, there is little good to say about this game.
Coleman Hawkins was unable to play due to injury. His presence would have made a difference, but considering the listnessness of the Wildcat effort, no one player would guarantee a different outcome.
Arizona State was also without a key contributor, after BJ Freeman was dismissed from the team for detrimental conduct.
A couple of late buckets raised K-State’s shooting percentage to 33% (22-66) for the game, including 19% (5-26) from three-point range. Arizona State shot 46% (25-54), including 9-25 (36%) from deep.
David N’Guessan scored 20 points and collected 13 rebounds to lead the Cats in both categories. C.J. Jones scored 10.
Dug McDaniels tossed 7 assists but struggled to a 2-12 shooting performance and scored only 4 points.
Jayden Quaintance scored 18 to lead the Sun Devils.
NEXT GAME
At the University of Central Florida, Wednesday at 6:00 on ESPN+. Hawkins is not expected to play.