Image Source: Luke Sobba
Key Takeaways
- Kansas State lost to Arizona 101-76 in a game that was both competitive and not as close as the final score would indicate
- Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32, with three players having double-digit boards
- Kansas State shot poorly from outside, making only 8-36 three-point attempts
- Arizona won despite making only 3 of 16 three-point attempts, thanks to their strong rebounding and free throw shooting
- Kansas State will try to get their first Big 12 Conference win of the season on Saturday against Arizona State
Introduction to the Game
The Kansas State Wildcats faced off against the Arizona Wildcats on Wednesday night, resulting in a 101-76 loss. As the article states, "It was simultaneously more competitive than expected and not as close as the final score would indicate." This paradoxical statement highlights the mixed bag that was the game, with Kansas State showing flashes of competitiveness but ultimately being outplayed by the stronger Arizona team.
Rebounding Disparity
One of the key factors in Arizona’s victory was their dominance on the boards. The article notes that "Rebounding margin has been a problem all season" for Kansas State, and this game was no exception. Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32, with three players having double-digit boards. As the article states, "It seems unlikely that any team has ever won a game in which it was -23 on the boards." This significant disparity in rebounding gave Arizona a significant advantage, allowing them to control the pace of the game and limit Kansas State’s scoring opportunities.
Shooting Struggles
Both teams struggled with their shooting, particularly from outside. Kansas State made only 8-36 three-point attempts, while Arizona made only 3 of 16. However, Arizona was able to make up for their poor outside shooting by attacking the rim and making shots from closer range. As the article notes, "After they attacked the rim and later made a few outside shots, the K-State deficit ballooned beyond 30." Kansas State, on the other hand, was not able to find their rhythm, with their best shooter, Doran Buca, making only two three-point attempts.
Individual Performances
Despite the loss, there were some notable individual performances from Kansas State players. P.J. Haggerty led the team with 19 points, while Nate Johnson recovered from a poor performance on Saturday to score 15 points. However, Johnson’s shooting was subpar, making only 3-13 attempts. On the other side, Arizona’s Brayden Burries scored 28 points, and Motiejus Krivas bullied his way to 25 points on 7-10 shooting from the floor and 11-12 efficiency from the stripe. As the article states, "Brayden Burries scored 28, and the giant Motiejus Krivas bullied his way to 25 on 7-10 shooting from the floor and 11-12 efficiency from the stripe."
Looking Ahead
Kansas State will try to get their first Big 12 Conference win of the season on Saturday when they face off against Arizona State. As the article notes, "Dust off your Peacock subscription if you want to watch." The team will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their rebounding and shooting struggles if they hope to come out on top. Arizona, on the other hand, will face off against Iowa State, BYU, and Houston in upcoming games, which promise to be "epic battles." As the article states, "Arizona is formidable, and their matchups with Iowa State, BYU and particularly Houston should be epic battles."
https://www.bringonthecats.com/kansas-state-mens-basketball/28505/final-no-1-arizona-101-k-state-76