3-pointers propel K-State to 89-73 win over Oklahoma State
MANHATTAN, Kansas -- Kansas State coach Bruce Weber has long insisted that when it comes to practice, the rim likes attention.
"If you come in the gym and give it attention," Weber said, "it'll like you and good things will happen."
By that token, the Wildcats must've put in work the last few days, because it certainly appeared to favor them Saturday.
Kamau Stokes and Justin Edwards scored 13 points apiece, and Kansas State hit nine 3-pointers to help snap a two-game losing streak, topping Oklahoma State comfortably 89-73.
Dean Wade and Wesley Iwundu finished with 12 points apiece, and Stephen Hurt added 11 points and five rebounds.
"I think our coaching staff did a good job trying to get them to realize there's still a lot to play for," Weber said. "Even though we've lost these games, if you play the right way -- hard and as a team -- good things will happen."
Lackluster shooting had plagued Kansas State (12-7, 2-5) in Big 12 play so far, but it was the 3-point ball that propelled the Wildcats to a second conference win. The Wildcats converted 9 of 17 3-point attempts, led by Stokes with four makes.
Even when the deep ball wasn't connecting, Kansas State still found a way to score. D.J. Johnson rose above two Oklahoma State defenders to throw down an emphatic put-back dunk with 13:02 to play after Barry Brown missed a 3-point attempt.
Tyree Griffin led Oklahoma State (10-9, 2-5) with 18 points and five assists. Jeff Newberry added 14 points and five rebounds.
"Both teams were teams that needed wins," Cowboys coach Travis Ford said. "Two different scenarios, but the question was who was going to respond, and we didn't respond. Give them all the credit."
The 3-point shot caused an offensive surge early and often for Kansas State. The Wildcats connected on 6 of 8 3-pointers in the first half, including four during a 27-13 run to close out the half. Stokes buried two of the triples, while Wade bookended the barrage with a 3-pointer at the top of the key to give Kansas State a 45-28 advantage with 1:41 to play. Brown later finished a tough layup at the buzzer as the Wildcats went into halftime with a 19-point lead, 49-30.
"We were at a magic level, just like Oklahoma State was at a magic level against Kansas," Weber said. "We made those threes, but we also got to the paint."
The Cowboys shot 30 percent (7 of 23) from the field in the first half, including a seven-minute cold spell where the visitors shot just 2 of 12.
Oklahoma State guard Jawun Evans entered the game as Big 12 Newcomer of the Week after posting 42 points against No. 1 Oklahoma, a near triple-double at Texas and 22 points against No. 3 Kansas. But after scoring seven points in the first half, Evans was forced to the bench with 15:18 left after picking up his fourth foul. He didn't return until the 6:18 mark.
Lacking an offensive spark, Oklahoma State could get as close as only 13 points before the Wildcats opened up a 21-point lead with four minutes remaining.
"It's always good to get a win, but from here on out it doesn't get any easier," Iwundu said. "We want to enjoy this win but get back to work tomorrow for the next game."
TIP-INS
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys have lost five straight games at Bramlage Coliseum, with their last win coming on Jan. 23, 2010, and are still winless in true road games this season (0-4).
Kansas State: The 89 points are the Wildcats' most in Big 12 play since scoring 94 against Texas Tech on Jan. 15, 2011.
ACCOUNTABILITY
"His parents have made sure since we've come back from Christmas break that he's in the gym," Weber said of Stokes. "They even make him FaceTime from the gym to show that he's there."
UP NEXT
Oklahoma State: Hosts No. 13 Baylor on Wednesday.
Kansas State: At No. 6 West Virginia on Tuesday.
