Kansas State had four players in double-digits as the Wildcats dominated Central Florida for a 93-67 win. The ‘Cats 93 points were its most in a Big 12 game since 2025, when it scored 97 points also against UCF.
The Wildcats had balanced scoring with senior guard Tess Heal pouring in 19 points, Nastja Claessens contributing 16, Jordan Speiser putting up 15 and Gina Garcia adding 10. When K-State has balanced scoring, they are a tough team to beat with the number of players they can attack their opponents with.
The first and third were K-State’s two big offensive quarters, which they used to get a big lead and then put the game away. In the first quarter, the Wildcats scored 30 points compared to just 14 for UCF. The ‘Cats made 12 straight field goals in the first quarter, which led them on their way to shooting 81.3 percent from the field in the first frame.
In the second quarter, points didn’t come as easily, but K-State kept its run going, winning the quarter 18-14. UCF cut the lead down to as close as 12 in the quarter, but the Wildcats finished on a 10-2 run, giving them a 20-point halftime lead, 48-28.
After half, K-State had another big outing, scoring 29 points, but only outscored the Knights by one. It was still a big moment for the Wildcats, though, as it kept UCF from fighting its way back.
In the final quarter, K-State entered leading by 21 and cruised its way to victory using its defense. The Wildcats held UCF to just 11 points, showcasing their suffocating defense even in a late blowout game.
On the night, K-State shot a season-best 58.7 percent (37-63) from the field, which included going 11-20 from three-point range. The Wildcats had 23 assists on their 37 made field goals, which speaks to their good ball movement leading to open looks.
K-State has a long way to go in terms of NCAA tournament hopes, but the dominant win over an inferior opponent should still help its case. Up ahead, the Wildcats will have tougher tests to prove they are worthy of going to the big dance.
Their next opponent is their in-state rival, the Kansas Jayhawks, who defeated them earlier this season 83-61. K-State will be out for revenge and will get to do so on its home court. Tipoff from Bramlage is scheduled for 4 p.m.