Things looked bleak early. But the Wildcats put it together to pull away for a comfortable win.
Kansas State started slowly in the regular season opener against visiting University of New Orleans Privateers, but recovered to notch an 89-65 victory Tuesday night in Bramlage Coliseum.
Favored to win by 30.5 at tipoff, K-State looked sluggish on both ends early, spotting New Orleans a 25-15 lead midway through the first half. But after clamping down defensively, the Wildcats made a barrage of 3-point buckets to forge a 29-7 run over the final nine minutes to go to the break up 44-32,
David N’Guessan, one of only three Wildcats to return from last year’s roster, was a key to the ‘Cats hanging around. The big Dutchman was active from the opening tip, notching a double-double by halftime, with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He finished with a game high 21 points and 15 rebounds. Perhaps just as important as the production, DNG brought much-needed energy, which his new teammates eventually matched.
Cal State Fullerton transfer Max Jones showed smoothness and efficiency, scoring 19 on 7-10 shooting, including 4-5 from deep. He also tossed five assists, good for second on the team.
Brendan Hausen gave K-State a third double-digit scorer, as he poured in 17 on 5-10 shooting, including 4-9 from deep.
Dug McDaniel was the leading distributor with 8 assists, as K-State shared the ball to the tune of 24 dimes on 34 made field goals.
Six different Wildcats knocked down at least one three-point bucket, led by Jones and Hausen, who each hit 4. The Cats were shooting at a 41% clip from outside until some late heaves in garbage time dropped them to 13-34, good for 38%. Still, that percentage, coupled with only 12 turnovers on the evening, hint that perhaps the two biggest deficiencies of the 2023-2024 season may not plague K-State this season.
Though it was inconsequential to the outcome, 6-11 transfer Baye Fall converted two thunderous alley-oops for 4 points in only 2 minutes of action. He, like the squad in general, may be a bit of a project. But you don’t have to squint too hard to see the potential, both for him and for the team as a whole.
Achor Achor, another key piece from the transfer portal, did not play, reportedly due to a family issue.
Two Privateers reached double-figures, led by Jah Short, who scored 19.
K-State will tip again Saturday at 3 p.m. hosting Cleveland State.