Donning pink and white uniforms in Kansas State’s Play 4 Kay Game on Feb. 10, the Wildcats jumped ahead early with a 6-0 run before Oklahoma State University made its first points. K-State went on scoring runs of seven, six and three points all in just the first quarter, putting the Wildcats ahead 18-9 after the first 10 minutes of play.
Despite K-State’s hot start, the ‘Cats shot 25% from the field in the second quarter, missing multiple shots at the rim. The Cowgirls also experienced some scoring struggles — shooting 18.2% during the second quarter — which led to a drought of over three and a half minutes.
Putting up 11 points, K-State had its lowest scoring quarter of the night, but still kept its lead 29-18 going into the break. The Wildcats also contested each Oklahoma State shot from beyond the arc, resulting in no made three-pointers for the Cowgirls across both quarters.
“Coach Mittie made it really clear that we have to be there to contest their threes,” Nastja Claessens said. “I think we did a really great job in the first half.”
The Cowgirls burst onto the scene after halftime, knocking down 9-of-13 field goal shots [69.2%] during the third quarter. K-State stayed consistent in their play, shooting 10-for-16 [62.5%] and extending their lead to a game high 12 points.
As Claeseens was defending at the low left block, she got called for a foul as an Oklahoma State forward made contact with her. While many Wildcat fans disagreed with the call — including Claessens herself — it was K-State head coach Jeff Mittie who showed the most emotion after the play.
“With this physical of a game, I didn’t think that was one,” Mittie said.
The Cowgirls would wrangle their way back during the fourth quarter, tying the game, 52-52, and again at 54-54 with 6:32 remaining.
“They had the one run,” Mittie said. “They’re going to make the run, and the run came differently. They really pounded us off the dribble in that stretch and got inside against us, but really proud of our team.”
The Wildcats, however, soon found their rhythm again in the fourth quarter, going on a 12-2 scoring run. Contributions from Claessens, Gina Garcia, Tess Heal and Aniya’ Foy — both offensively and defensively — allowed K-State to gain the lead again.
With contributions from everyone, the Wildcats made the stats sheet shine. Claessens led the team with 18 points, two assists and six rebounds. Following right behind, Heal put up 16 points, five rebounds and one assist. The pair of Brandie Harrod and Garcia had a combined 18 points, and Foy dominated on rebounds, snagging eight and also making a bucket.
“Our defense has been much better,” Mittie said. “I think we’re playing tougher, [I] think we’re playing more physical than we were. And then offensively tonight, I thought we played with pretty good poise.”
Despite a gritty effort from each team, Bramlage wasn’t big enough for the both of them, and the Wildcats would come out on top, 70-61. K-State now stands with a record of 14-12 overall and 7-6 in the Big 12.
“Had we been in that situation earlier in the season, we might not win this one,” Heal said. “The team’s resilience and their toughness and their ability to fight back in a tough situation. They make a run, we make a run, I was so proud of the effort from every single person who came on.”
K-State will head to Ames, Iowa, to face the Iowa State Cyclones at 1 p.m. on Feb. 15.
