The Kansas State Wildcats’ dream season came to a shocking conclusion Saturday, when the Butler Bulldogs edged them, 63-56, to earn a trip to the Final Four.
It wasn’t the outcome that was such a stunner; it was how the Wildcats were defeated. Kansas State played arguably its worst game offensively of the season, struggling to hit outside shots and repeatedly taking questionable ones instead of pounding the ball inside, where it enjoyed a significant size advantage.
Star guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen didn’t even score in the first half, when the Bulldogs built a 7-point lead. But after 13-2 run gave Kansas State the lead with a little over four minutes remaining, it appeared that the sluggishness that plagued the Wildcats had been rid of for good. But turnovers and more bad shots, coupled with timely baskets by Butler at the game’s critical moments, ensured that Kansas State wouldn’t be let off the hook.
Kansas State’s season ends with a 29-8 record. But it will be the elusive 30th that will be remembered, for it meant no trip to the Final Four.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 4:43 pm by Raj Sethi
The Kansas State Wildcats are two games away from a spot in the Final Four. Tonight, the Xavier Musketeers stand in their way.
The Wildcats have already enjoyed success over the Atlantic 10’s model team this season, handling the Musketeers at home in late December by a 71-56 margin.
Kansas State is playing worthy of its 2-seed, thoroughly outplaying its opponents in the first two rounds in impressive fashion. Guard Jacob Pullen went off for a career-high 34 points in its victory over BYU, and he and the ultra-quick Denis Clemente form arguably the most explosive backcourt in the nation. But Xavier features a formidable backcourt of its own, with Terrel Holloway and Jordan Crawford leading the attack with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor.
The Wildcats do feature a much deeper bench, though, which could ultimately decide the outcome of this game. Jamar Samuels could be the best 6th man in the country as a freshman, averaging 11.3 points off the bench. Wally Judge and Luis Colon also provide size and energy in relief, something the Musketeers might not be able to match.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 4:41 pm by Raj Sethi
