Despite a historic weekend from Markquis Nowell, Kansas State would have to wait another year to make its first Final Four appearance since 1964. The Wildcats defeated Florida Atlantic 79-76 on Saturday evening. Nowell again led Kansas State, finishing with a double-double. He finished with 30 points and 12 assists. He became the first player since Illinois point guard Deron Williams in 2005 to record 50 assists during an NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Four players scored in double figures. Alijah Martin, Brian Greenlee, Vladislav Goldin and Janel Davis scored at least 10 points. Wildcats forward Keonte Johnson, K-State’s leading scorer, was plagued by foul-trouble throughout. He picked up two quick fouls in both halves and was out late. He finished with nine points. Kansas State lost the lead after controlling most of the second half. The first half featured seven lead changes. Kansas State used an 8-0 run early in the second half to turn a three-point deficit into a five-point lead. The Wildcats’ lead grew to seven points. However, FAU chipped away at the lead and was within striking distance. Vladislav Gold’s dunk gave FAU the lead at the 6:12 mark of the second half. A 15-1 FAU gave the Owls an eight-point lead. Kansas State pulled back to within a point twice, but couldn’t catch FAU. Florida Atlantic was plagued by turnovers, with a game-high 22. But they smashed the glass, outscoring Kansas State 44-22.
Despite a historic weekend by Marquis Nowell, Kansas State would have to wait another year for its first Final Four berth since 1964.
The Wildcats lost 79-76 to Florida Atlantic on Saturday evening.
Nowell again led Kansas State, finishing with a double-double. He finished with 30 points and 12 assists.
He became the first player since Illinois point guard Deron Williams in 2005 to record 50 assists during an NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
It was a balanced effort by FAU. Four players scored in double figures.
Alijah Martin, Brian Greenlee, Vladislav Goldin and Janel Davis scored at least 10 points.
Wildcats forward Keonte Johnson, K-State’s leading scorer, was plagued by foul-trouble throughout.
He picked up two quick fouls in both halves and was out late. He finished with nine points.
Kansas State lost the lead after controlling most of the second half
While the first half featured seven back-and-forth lead changes, Kansas State led much of the second half.
Kansas State used an 8-0 run early in the second half to turn a three-point deficit into a five-point lead. The Wildcats’ lead grew to seven points.
However, FAU chipped away at the lead and was within striking distance.
Vladislav Gold’s dunk gave FAU the lead at the 6:12 mark of the second half.
A 15-1 FAU gave the Owls an eight-point lead.
Kansas State pulled back to within a point twice, but couldn’t catch FAU.
Florida Atlantic was plagued by turnovers, with a game-high 22.
But they crashed the glass, beating Kansas State 44-22.
